Players from a number of leading countries have been involved in conversations with IPL franchises about the possibility of contracts which will see them play in multiple leagues for the franchise.

Though discussions have been informal, they do raise the prospect wherein the main employers for leading players could eventually be an IPL franchise, rather than a full-member board.

The Times reported on Tuesday that six English players, including some internationals, were approached by IPL franchise owners and asked whether they would be open to a deal in which the franchise owner, rather than the board or county, would be their main employer.

These conversations have taken place not just in England, but in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies, according to Heath Mills, executive chairman of FICA, the global players’ body.

“There have been informal conversations between some franchises and players about being available to play in multiple tournaments,” Mills told ESPNcricinfo.

“That can take a different shape and form for different players. But it should come as no surprise to anyone in cricket that these conversations are happening and that players will have these sorts of options in the future.

“Without going into the specifics of individual conversations, they are about a player being available to play for a franchise in different T20 leagues. A franchise might have three or four teams globally, so they might want the player in multiple competitions – as opposed to just the IPL. It’s not necessarily about signing a player up for all competitions exclusively but rather additional ones to their IPL team.”

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In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
wow! so, we will be a farm system never to have access to our players, when they become good enough, an even bigger dagger in the back of our systems, hard to survive this

The concept is an active part of franchise soccer. Welcome to the new world of cricket.

I was wondering when this would come about

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

Not much difference except for additional employers!

Players will be contracted to work for same rather than being limited to their home boards!!

More employers, more options for players!

I see a FIFA scenario playing out here!

is it more employers or a totally different employer? What will be effect on the player fees that our board currently collects from issuing NOCs? I hope that these players get good advice on the possible contracts. Regrettably we have already seen that WI players appear to either get poor advice or be in a poor negotiating position or simply do not care to play for the WI anymore. in the 60s and 70s we complained about the brain drain. This could well start the era of the talent drain where anyone with a modicum of talent is scooped up early and India thereby remains the dominant test team for years to come as they will surely give their players contracts that permit them to report for national duty. Neo-colonialism by any name smells the same.

More opportunities for more players

That’s what WIPA wanted all along
Win win

Test team don’t voop so that sacred entity is safely insulated.