Doubts linger over Hussey and Langer's availability for IPL

Sydney, Feb 23 (UNI) David Hussey's participation in the Indian Premier League's Twenty20 tournament looks in doubt as his county side Nottinghamshire is not willing to release him.

David Hussey was recently purchased by the IPL's Kolkata franchise for US 625,000 dollars to play in the tournament that begins from April 18.

Nottinghamshire's director of cricket, Mike Newell said, ''We are currently talking to David and his advisors, so I would prefer not to comment at this stage other than to say that he signed a new two-year contract with us after the end of last season.'' Hussey was one of the many surprise buys at the IPL's auction and was purchased well above his base price of US 125,000 dollars.

If he participates in the BCCI backed tournament, it would mean he will have to miss the first five County Championship matches and eight games in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Meanwhile, former Australian Test opener Justin Langer has said that he is more keen to play for Somerset and has not assured his availability for the Jaipur franchise.

Jaipur picked up Langer for US 75,000 dollars against his base price of US 200,000 dollars in the auction held on Feruary 20.

''I have made a commitment to Somerset and I intend to honour it,'' Langer told the Age. ''I made that clear when I first signed with IPL and I have no hesitation sticking to it.'' He was particularly harsh on IPL's possible outcome on world cricket. ''When you go to your grave,'' he said, ''people will remember what you did with your life rather than how much money you made.'' The newspaper also reported Luke Ronchi, the Western Australia wicketkeeper, is considering an approximately US 92,000 dollars offer to join the Mumbai franchise, while his team-mate Luke Pomersbach, who earned is also set to join an IPL team.

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