Hodge heading for India

Hodge: Opportunity

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Lancashire's Brad Hodge is to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

The Australian batsman will miss the next five weeks of the domestic cricket season, starting with Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy match against Scotland in Edinburgh.

Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes said: "Brad is arguably one of the best Twenty20 players in the world.

"Although it's disappointing to be losing a player of his calibre for part of our season, we are very lucky at Lancashire to have depth in our squad - and this is a great opportunity for someone else to step up to the plate."

Shock

Hodge explained: "I was approached only 24-48 hours ago and I'm still in shock at the opportunity that has been presented.

"Twenty20 is a format I really enjoy and have a good record in, and to be part of the inaugural IPL tournament is something most cricketers would find hard to turn down.

"It's been an extremely difficult decision to make. But Lancashire have been very understanding of my situation, and I hope to repay them on the field when I return."

Lancashire have no current plans to bring in another overseas player to cover for Hodge's absence.

He is likely to miss three championship matches, including the Roses visit to Headingley - as well as a clutch of FP Trophy fixtures - but should be back in time for Lancashire's mid-summer Twenty20 campaign.