<img alt="" src="/imagedata/2009/may/Kaha123.jpg" align="left" border="0" />Taking a leaf out of the phenomenal success of the Indian Premier League, the Australian, South African and New Zealand cricket boards are planning a Southern Premier League with hopes of attracting sub-continental stars to local franchises. Speaking in Sydney yesterday, Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland said: "Anyone who follows sport has been fascinated to watch the Indian Premier League unfold in such a short period of time. "The sort of numbers involved, rights, sponsorship, franchising is absolutely phenomenal. There's no doubt it's changed the way people look at Twenty20 cricket as well." Meanwhile, plans are being put in place for Australia to play the cancelled Test series against Pakistan next year in England. "From our perspective, it's exciting playing Pakistan," Sutherland said. England has a large expatriate population in England, and Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board support the proposal. Although Andrew Symonds has been selected for the next month's World Twenty20 there is no guarantee the troubled all-rounder will be offered a full contract by Cricket Australia for the next season. "It is very much in Andrew Symonds' hands," Sutherland said. "His future is in his hands; how he performs on the field and off it. He knows that. "We have a duty of care to our employees, to help them in times of need. But at the same time, we've got a responsibility to the game itself. "We're hoping he will repay the people who have worked closely with him and his performances this winter and beyond."

Terrorism: My birthright

the Australian, South African and New Zealand cricket boards are planning a Southern Premier League with hopes of attracting sub-continental stars to local franchises.

After IPL, other countries following suit

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After IPL, other countries following suit

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