Melbourne, Feb.4 (ANI): Cricket Australia has struck a deal with the Indian Premier League to ensure players who represent their states in the Sheffield Shield final can proceed to the lucrative Twenty20 tournament afterwards, but is powerless to stop them retiring from first-class cricket to maximise their IPL earnings.

Despite a threat from IPL supremo Lalit Modi to tear up contracts of players who delayed their arrival to finish the domestic season, a deal has reportedly been struck privately by CA chief executive James Sutherland and his colleague Dean Kino before Christmas to avoid this scenario.

‘Everybody is comfortable that Australian players will be available to play for their Shield sides, in the Shield final before they go to IPL,’ The Age quoted CA spokesman Peter Young, as saying.

‘Our state associations are aware of that and everyone is planning accordingly and has been for quite a few weeks now,’ he added.

However, Victorian batsman Brad Hodge set a precedent by retiring from the longest form of the game this season and his fast-bowling team mate, Dirk Nannes, could follow suit given he would forfeit a portion of his 250,000-dollar salary from the Delhi Daredevils if, as expected, Victoria plays in the Shield final from March 17-21.

The match clashes with the third season of the IPL, which has been brought forward to accommodate the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in April, in which Nannes hopes to represent Australia. (ANI)