April 10, 2008	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 3, 1429

JOHANNESBURG, April 9: Haroon Lorgat, who is set to take charge as chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), is open to the idea of altering the Future Tours Programme (FTP) to accommodate the IPL.

“The game is growing and the world is changing,” Lorgat told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“With the successful introduction of Twenty20 to the calendar, there is more cricket to be played, and as a result the time could come where workloads have to be managed.

“The IPL is something that is exciting and can be used to enhance and grow the game around the globe. Cricket is unique in that we have three formats now, and that can be used to attract new fans.

“If we need to revisit the FTP, we will do that,” Lorgat added.

The first edition of the IPL will clash with Australia’s tour of West Indies and New Zealand’s summer trip to England.

“If well managed, I think all three forms of the game are sustainable, Lorgat stated. “It’s just about finding the right balance.”

Earlier, Lorgat had expressed that the IPL deserved strong backing at the top level.

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, meanwhile, said though it was unlikely that players would quit international cricket to feature in the IPL it was difficult to refuse when attractive offers came one’s way.

“I think everybody would like to see some space for the IPL in the FTP," Vettori said. “If it is feasible, then it will be great and easy on the players.”—Agencies