Cricket: Easy money thing of the past

The era of New Zealanders picking up easy money in the Indian Premier League might have passed as Indian sides cut back on the number of imports.

When the IPL competition was introduced, it was seen as a lucrative short-term earner for the better Black Caps, but now only the elite will be recruited.

The usual suspects - Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor - are likely to be chosen without hesitation for next year's instalment but other Black Caps will struggle.

All international teams except the West Indies and Pakistan, who will be playing each other in a series, have created a window in their calendars to cater for the IPL. That means more players are available for longer periods.

Franchises are likely to need only seven to eight overseas players rather than the 10 used previously. Only four non-Indian players are allowed on the field at any one time.

Any Black Caps selected in IPL 4 will likely earn more pro rata than in the past because they will be there for the tournament duration rather than just a few weeks.

However, the contracts offered at the player auction on January 8 are estimated as likely to be 25-30 per cent less than in the past. There will be exceptions and a few players are expected to keep the bidding going above US$1 million.

Vettori is one who can buck the downward trend in salaries. His talents could be worth more than the US$625,000 offered in 2008 because his captaincy and batting have developed, especially anchoring a largely weak international team. His image also remains a strong marketing force in India - he is perceived as a good team man.

In contrast, some younger Black Caps such as Kane Williamson will be happy to sign at the minimum rate of US$50,000 if it earns a break.

Most player agents are believed to be communicating with the Indian franchises regularly.

That involves pointing out their clients' good performances to back up the highlight reel DVDs sent well in advance.

It adds importance to the Black Caps' final two one-day internationals in India this week. Those games are perfect opportunities to capture the imagination of owners and fans in India.

If prospective candidates can't shine there, they get two diluted opportunities: the remainder of the HRV Cup and the two T20s against Pakistan at the end of the month.

The IPL franchises are looking at loosely establishing who they want in their squads by December 23. They will reassess over the New Year before firming up numbers a couple of days before the players go under the hammer.

Only seven franchises are currently locked into IPL 4 but eight teams are expected because that will make the competition easier to plan.

The IPL governing council ousted the Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab from the league on charges of transgressing ownership norms. The new Kochi franchise was asked to get better organised. One of those outfits will be given a late reprieve.