Northants cannot play in Champions League: Modi

Irrespective of whether they make it to the final of England's domestic Twenty20 tournament or not, Northamptonshire cannot play in October's Champions T20 League in India as the county side still have three Indian Cricket League players, League chairman Lalit Modi said today.

Modi said Northants still have in their ranks three former South Africa players -- Nicky Boje, Andrew Hall and Van der Wath -- who have not severed their connection with the Indian Cricket League.

"Champions League rules are very clear that no team with players connected to any unauthorised cricket can be a part of it. Northants will be disqualified from the League if they enter the final (of England domestic T20 cricket) and there would be a vacant slot," he said.

The Champions League, featuring 12 teams, would be held from October 8-23 at four centres in India -- Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mohali and Delhi.

If Northants are disqualified, a door could open for a fourth Indian Premier League franchise to appear in the League and Chennai Super Kings, which finished fourth in IPL II, could benefit from such a scenario.

IPL-II winners Deccan Chargers, runners-up Bangalore Royal Challengers and league phase toppers Delhi Daredevils have already qualified for the League.