England pair top IPL bill

England's two most charismatic players headed the long list of players being put forward for auction in Goa on February 6 as the eight franchises battle for talent to boost their chances of success during this year's IPL tournament, which runs from April 10 to May 29.

Explosive batsman Pietersen has been given the highest reserve price of all the England players of USD 1.35million (£944,000) while all-rounder Flintoff has been rated at a minimum of USD 950,000.

Even if they receive just their minimum price, they can expect over £350,000 for three weeks work on a pro rata basis for the tournament - a salary which puts them almost on the same scale as top soccer stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.

IPL chairman Lalit Modi claims the vast salaries for players like Pietersen would represent "fantastic value for money", stressing: "If you look at the base price it's close to USD 250,000 and USD 350,000 a week for each week he plays, which is comparable to the top soccer players around the world."

Speaking to Setanta Sports News, Modi added: "Andrew [Flintoff] has a minimum base price of USD 950,000, but he'll probably go for a higher figure. It'll be quite competitive. All the teams can afford it. Everyone's trying to get England's top players in their team."

Flintoff, who is believed to have several sides interested in his services including Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians, could end up earning the biggest contract simply because he may spark a price war.

The two biggest contracts awarded in last year's auction were given to India captain MS Dhoni, who was listed at USD 400,000 and ended up earning USD 1.5million and Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who was given a USD 1.3million contract after being listed for USD 300,000.

Away from the big stars of the auction, there are 27 Australians, 14 South Africans, 15 Sri Lankans, an assortment of players from West Indies, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Zimbabwe competing with the remaining 18 England players for a share of the riches.

"The enthusiasm and interest displayed by players from all around the world to participate in the second season of the league has been truly overwhelming," admitted Modi. "The Indian Premier League has set new standards in helping uncover and hone some exciting new talent that has gone on to gain international recognition, all of which augurs well for development of world cricket."