Former test players Kevin Pieterson and Andrew Flintoff were paid $1.7 million in 2009, Sachin Tendulkar was paid $2 million in 2011, Shane Warne got $2 million in 2011, Brett Lee was paid $1 million in 2008 and Adam Gilchrist was paid $1 million in 2011. Apparently giving away international test cricket for lucrative IPL contracts lessens the pain when test careers end. Indian crowds are happy to see former international stars of the game in action and are willing to pay handsomely for it.
Despite playing his last test in 2009, Andrew Flintoff still gets a game in Australia's Big Bash League, Kevin Pieterson gets a gig for the Melbourne Stars and some guest commentary appearances and Brett Lee is still bowling express pace at age 38; his last test match was against the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at the MCG in 2008. The BBL attracts current international players too, Lasith Malinga has been bowling express pace in the BBL for a number of years.
The Caribbean Premier League was renamed after tournament sponsor Allen Stanford was arrested for fraud, originally a private competition, the West Indies Cricket Board now runs the show. While less international players flock to CPL, renowned spin wiz Muttiah Muralitharan among others play during the season, he also consults as a spin coach for the Australian Cricket Board.
The Sri Lankan Premier League is still having a number of organisational issues, naturally, Twenty20 instigators England have a strong league as do other test playing nations with countries such as Nepal, Hong Kong, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Bermuda all sporting teams. Twenty20 cricket is fast building an international reputation with huge player salaries funded by broadcast rights and immense consumer interest.
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