The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Johnson, Haddin, Clarke say no to IPL

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Johnson, Haddin, Clarke say no to IPL

Special Correspondent

Adelaide: Cricket Australia (CA) was informed here on Tuesday that 13 players had signed a long-term agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which will allow these cricketers to proceed to the IPL auction to be held in India on Wednesday.

While left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson and wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin have chosen not to be a part of the IPL to concentrate on their budding international careers, the name of Michael Clarke is conspicuous by its absence.

It is learnt that Clarke, being groomed as the next Australian captain, is keen on his career for the country.

Retired players

Bowling legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath and feisty batsman Justin Langer have all retired from international cricket, while wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist will bid adieu to the ‘Baggy Green’ after the ongoing tri-series.

Among the rest of the cricketers in the list, David Hussey and Simon Katich are not contracted with CA.

Gillespie misses out

Experienced paceman Jason Gillespie, a contracted player with CA, and widely tipped to be a part of the IPL, surprisingly does not figure in the list.

The players, contracted with CA, are obligated to play for Australia in the unlikely event of the side touring Pakistan.

The franchises might be taking a risk with many of the Aussie cricketers, but these players might be auctioned over a three-year period.

The players who signed the agreement : Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden, Andrew Symonds, Nathan Bracken, Cameron White, Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Glenn McGrath.