Viljoen signs on for the IPL

Following on from his successful stint in the Sharjah ten-over competition, Christmas came early for Hardus Viljoen, when he was picked up by King's XI Punjab for this year's Indian Premier League.

It marks a fair old transformation for the South African quick bowler. Before the T20 last summer there were a few who had concerns he should be in our first choice side, and there were plenty of times when he looked some way removed from an IPL candidate.

Fair play to him though and he has put himself in the shop window. A good IPL could make him one of the nomads who traverse the globe in such competitions, bowling short stints and carrying a big bag for the wads of cash that are a consequence.

What does it mean for Derbyshire?

Well, for a start we lose him from the start of the season to the middle of May. I acknowledge and am grateful for the information from Luke yesterday, who works in circles that know these things and said that the standard IPL deal is usually to lose 1% of your county salary for the first 21 days and 0.7% per day after that.

In an absence of around fifty-one days, that could see Hardus forego around 42% of his county deal. At his oft-rumoured salary , that is a fair wedge of money back into the playing budget, and there would be an additional saving on accommodation costs.

If he plays most of the matches he can pick up around £80K in India, which will be a nice little earner, though dependent on him playing - less if he is one of the reserves.

On the pitch it gives us a problem, because we only have Ravi Rampaul, Tony Palladino and Luis Reece to support Logan van Beek, before we have to bring in the kids. That is a laudable concept if they are ready, but less so if it is too soon in their development.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a loan move to cover that period, unless the amount allows an extra recruit. I am unsure if there is anyone out there out of contract, but there will be several counties who are overly blessed with seam bowling talent who might want them match fit playing at a higher level. At an early stage of the season, that would be a valid option.

Is it telling that the club has yet to issue a press piece on the news? In all likelihood they are working out what it means to them and to the cricket budget before going public.

I look forward to seeing Dave Houghton's comments on it in the coming days.

Finally, for now, warm congratulations to Ryan Duckett on being confirmed as the club's new CEO.

He is a nice, approachable guy and I am sure will fit the role perfectly.

I wish him well.