February 16, 2008	Saturday	Safar 08, 1429

MUMBAI, Feb 15: Australian Tom Moody has signed up to coach one of the franchises of the money-spinning Indian Premier League (IPL), a senior Indian cricket official said on Friday.

“He had already signed with one team. I know he has signed, but cannot confirm if all the final, definite agreements have been done,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Moody, 42, a member of two World Cup-winning Australian teams, coached Sri Lanka for two years before leaving in May last year to take up the reins for Western Australia.

“All the top coaches will be here,” the official said.

The inaugural edition of the International Cricket Council-sanctioned Twenty20 league gets underway on April 18.

More than 80 international cricketers are expected to feature in a players’ ‘auction’ in Mumbai on Feb. 20 with each franchise allowed a cap of $5 million.

Organisers said in a statement that Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has confirmed his availability for the bidding process.

Indian media on Friday said former India coach Greg Chappell, former Australia coach John Buchanan and Victoria’s Greg Shipperd were the other coaches being targeted by IPL teams.

The tournament will be played over 44 days in eight cities and will feature 59 matches.—Reuters