Andrew Flintoff, who was bought by the Chennai Super Kings for US$1.5 million in the second auction, expressed disappointment at not being able to play the tournament in India. Flintoff said one of the big attractions of the IPL for him was the chance to play in India.

“I love playing cricket in India, particularly one-day cricket,” I’ve never played a Twenty20 match over there but I can imagine it will be an unbelievable experience because as a player you don’t get a chance very often to play in front of big crowds of 40,000 to 50,000 people. It’s unfortunate but if we don’t do that this year then hopefully we can do it again next year.”

Flintoff said that he would prefer the tournament to be hosted in England rather than South Africa since it would be logistically easier for him. “It would be good to spend some more time at home so obviously I’d prefer England, but I’m sure South Africa would do a good job of staging it if it went there as well.”