England's decision to resume their tour of India has given the image of the players a huge boost. While they have insisted the prospect of IPL deals was nowhere near their minds as discussions took place, there is no doubt that they are a more attractive buy.

"The gesture of going back to play in India will be very appreciated by cricket fans in India," Vijay Mallya, the owner of the Bangalore Royal Challengers told the Daily Telegraph. "It is a positive statement that everyday life in India can survive terrorist attacks. There will be a lot of people cheering for the England team and showing their appreciation over the next couple of weeks."

An unnamed IPL owner told the same paper that Kevin Pietersen would be "able to name his own price" after showing fine leadership skills in recent weeks.

However, the problem remains that England players will only be available for the IPL within a small, 15-day window between the end of the West Indies tour and the start of the international season at home.

"We are either interested in a player or not irrespective of whether they play two Test matches in December," Tim Wright, the chief executive of the Deccan Chargers, said. "We have taken a view on the people we want. Their price will be more to do with availability than playing in these two Test matches."