Patel gets county nod to play in IPL

London:

England one-day player Samit Patel has been granted permission by his county club Nottinghamshire to play in the second edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 24-year-old all-rounder, who has an incremental central contract with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has been registered for the IPL players' auction in February. Patel has already attracted interest from Delhi Daredevils, but his participation is still subject to an agreement between Nottinghamshire, the ECB and the IPL team being reached.

"It's an opportunity for Samit that we have to embrace, because it gives him a chance to enhance and hone his one-day skills," Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket, said.

"We've got plans in place to make sure that we have adequate cover in all areas of the squad, and he'll go to India with our blessing."

Patel, who toured India last year with the England one-day team and also found a place in the West Indies bound ODI squad, said he is excited about taking part in the IPL, which is fast becoming the most high-profile cricket arena in the world.

"The Indian Premier League is a great tournament and I'm looking forward to the possibility of playing alongside and against the best players in the world," said Patel who made his debut in the one-day series against South Africa last year.

"I enjoyed the time that I spent in India this winter and I want to continue to develop my game and make progress with Notts and England. I remain committed to Notts and I want to make a contribution to a successful season in 2009,"

If bought in the February auction, Patel would become the first player with an ECB contract to feature in the lucrative Twenty20 tournament in India.

Hampshire all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas did play for Rajasthan Royals but was not centrally contracted and needed only permission from his county.