New Zealand's England series to clash with IPL

New Zealand's tour of England next year (see schedule alongside) is likely to overlap with the 2013 IPL season, forcing the likes of captain Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori to choose which series to take part in. Next year's IPL is set to start on April 3 and is expected to run till the end of May, while New Zealand's warm-up matches begin on May 4.

The clash in schedules seems to violate the terms of the eight-year agreement between NZC, the players' association and the six major domestic associations that called for a clear IPL window for New Zealand's cricketers.

Since the deal was signed in August 2010, there has been only one IPL season during which there were no international commitments for New Zealand's players. Five New Zealand cricketers - Vettori, Taylor, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum and Jesse Ryder - currently on a central contract have signed up with IPL franchises.

While Ryder's New Zealand contract will come to an end in June, other IPL players like allrounder James Franklin and fast bowler Doug Bracewell will be in line for contracts.

So far New Zealand, unlike West Indies, have not had to field a weakened side due to the IPL.