Skippers sign up for T20
South Africa and Kiwi captains join new Twenty20 league
By Phil Jackson. Last Updated: October 9, 2007 2:07pm
Smith: Set to join the IPL
International captains Graeme Smith and Daniel Vettori are the latest recruits to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"We are in talks with some very promising talent and should shortly be making further announcements."
BCCI vice-president Lalit Modi Quotes of the week
The Twenty20 league has been set up by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), starting in April, to rival the breakaway Indian Cricket League (ICL).
South African internationals Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince and Albie Morkel have also signed up alongside their captain Smith.
And New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris joins his skipper Vettori, with West Indian batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Pakistan's Mohammad Yousuf, Sri Lanka seamer Chaminda Vaas and former Australia opener Justin Langer also set to play in next year's tournament.
Promise
The new crop of players join the likes of Australian legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, and Sri Lankans Mahela Jayawardene and Sanath Jayasuriya, and BCCI vice-president Lalit Modi expects more to come.
"We had made a promise to the cricket-loving masses of India for some truly international class high-octane action through the Twenty20 format in the IPL," Modi said.
"It is in line with this promise and philosophy that we have signed some of the best cricketing talent on display internationally, including over five players that have captained their respective countries.
"We are in talks with some very promising talent and should shortly be making further announcements."
Each of the eight teams in the IPL can include four internationals alongside domestic players and local youngsters.
The top two sides will then qualify for the international Champions Twenty20 League, which will take place in October next year.
Graeme Smith
Daniel Vettori
