'No IPL contracts for English players because of international calendar'

England's top T20 players are struggling to win IPL contracts due to their involvement with the national side, Indian skipper MS Dhoni has said.

Dhoni says that the Three Lions' players would have to put in a display worthy of Kevin Pietersen, if they want to be snapped up by an IPL franchise.

"Most of the time when the IPL happens, I don't think the English team has a clear period. They're not available for the full 45 to 50 days of cricket, so that's a big concern when it comes to some of the IPL franchises," the Daily Mirror quoted Dhoni, as saying.

According to the report, a double header of international T20 matches in India is the perfect shop window for the likes of Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow to hawk their cricketing skills. However, with their time available to play in the megabucks tournament limited by the English season, they need to be extra special to be gambled on.

"Kevin Pietersen is a really different batsman, who can be really aggressive, and the grounds are not big enough in India. If he's available for half a season, the sides can still gamble that he can play seven or eight games at least," said Dhoni.

"He's a special player. But you have to be that special for a franchise to think ''let's bank on this player'', and he's only available for a few games," he added.