Patel signs up for IPL
Samit Patel will return from the IPL in time for England's first one-dayer against West Indies on May 21st
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Friday, 09, Jan 2009 10:28
England all-rounder Samit Patel has announced he is registering for February's Indian Premier League (IPL) auction to take part in the competition in 2009.
The Nottinghamshire star is expected to join one of the franchises for the second season of the Twenty20 tournament, which takes place in late spring.
It is believed that the Delhi Daredevils, who last season featured the bowling talents of Australia's Glenn McGrath and Pakistan's Mohammed Asif and were captained by India's Virender Sehwag, have already expressed an interest in Patel.
And Notts director of cricket Mick Newell welcomed the player's registration for the tournament, claiming it would benefit the county in the long run despite meaning they will be deprived of his services for the start of the 2009 English domestic campaign.
"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," Newell explained.
"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 made his England debut in the one-day series against South Africa last year, playing a starring role as he took 5-41 in the third match at the Oval.
And he 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," Patel commented.
"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."