05 February,2009 11:07 AM IST | | Agencies
AUSTRALIA vice-captain Michael Clarke will not play in the second edition of the Indian Premier League.
Clarke, who had $ 1 milllion base value said this morning his decision to skip the cash-heavy Twenty20 tournament was influenced because of Australia's busy international schedule.
"I won't be going to the IPL,'' Clarke was quoted by FOx Sports.
"The most important thing for me is we've only got a couple of weeks off, we've got a very busy schedule.
"With me, with my body and time with my family, I want time off this year.''
But Clarke said his decision did not mean that he could not understand why so many other players did want to play in the Indian competition.
"It's a wonderful thing for cricket, it has definitely improved Twenty20 cricket, its played a part in improving one day cricket,'' he said.
"The lead up to the Twenty20 World Championships is the IPL so it's good preparation so it does not surprise me that a lot of players are going.''
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