Talks set for English IPL games

Kevin Pietersen (left) and Andrew Flintoff are keen to play in the IPL

English cricket chiefs will hold talks about the Indian Premier League after reports that part of the Twenty20 tournament could be staged in England.

Moving some lucrative games to England would be a compromise move by the IPL.

England players could then play without risking burn-out in an Ashes summer, as the IPL is scheduled for April and May.

"Detailed discussions concerning future programmes will be scheduled for January," a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed.

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"The ECB has held further discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India during the Test match in Mohali, which include both the future tours programme and also Twenty20 cricket.

"The ECB welcomes the progress made during the talks in Mohali in areas of mutual interest."

Sunday's reports in India's Sunday Times suggested the tournament could begin in India on 10 April, then move to England for three weeks before returning to India for the final matches, with the competition due to finish on 29 May.

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The first Test between England and the West Indies, at Lord's, is due to begin on 6 May.

England have previously stated they would allow their leading players up to two weeks to play in the IPL.

However, if the tournament moved to home soil it may give them longer to participate as a warm-up for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament, starting on 5 June.

Both England captain Kevin Pietersen and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff are expected to be in big demand when the next player auction begins in February. The pair have expressed their interest in taking part in the event.