Lehmann calls for more overseas players in IPL

Darren Lehmann wants the number of overseas players in the IPL to be lifted from four to five per franchise in next year's competition.

Lehmann covered for South Africa's Graeme Smith in the first two matches for the Rajasthan Royals and would be keen for more overseas representatives to get involved. "The IPL should be played as a boutique tournament for international players," Lehmann told the Advertiser.

He has also added his voice to the growing clamour - mainly from English players - for all countries to be able to take part in the IPL. English cricketers, Dmitri Mascarenhas excepted, are currently looking on enviously as they are prevented from participating in a huge payday owing to a clash with their domestic season.

"They could add another overseas player to rosters and open up the window for all international teams including England to play," Lehmann said. "I feel a bit sorry for the English boys but think we can work around it to help get things across the line."

The ECB are considering setting up a rival Twenty20 league, but that is unlikely to happen until 2010. Another possible solution, from the English point of view, would be to move the IPL to November. The London Telegraph reported on Wednesday such a shift is a strong possibility as the month "is perceived to be a more productive TV advertising window". David Collier, the ECB's chairman, had earlier dismissed the idea as "unlikely" owing to a clash with international tournaments such as the Champions Trophy.

The BCCI's Lalit Modi reportedly told Lehmann that, contrary to speculation over the IPL's financial feasibility, the tournament is a monetary triumph. "I have had good discussions with Lalit Modi and they can't believe the success of the IPL," Lehmann said. "It is out-rating all the big TV shows."