NZ's tour of England could be affected by IPL - Vettori

New Zealand could begin their tour of England in April without three leading players, who will be competing in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has admitted.

Vettori, who has signed with the Delhi side in the eight-team Twenty20 competition, said he was in discussions with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) about arriving in England 10 days before the start of the first test on May 15 to allow him to play six IPL matches.

"We're working through it at the moment," Vettori told reporters on Friday of his discussions with NZC.

"I hope I'm available for a number of (IPL) games for obvious reasons but we have to sit back and wait."

Vettori ($625,000) and fellow New Zealand test players Jacob Oram ($675,000) and Brendon McCullum ($700,000) were signed in the IPL player auction on Wednesday.

While their earnings are guaranteed for the next three years, their salaries from this year's tournament could be curtailed by the England tour as they are paid only for each IPL match they play.

Scheduled to play three tests and five one-dayers, New Zealand open their tour against the MCC at Arundel on April 27, just nine days after the IPL begins, though Vettori said he could possibly play six Twenty20 games and arrive in England by May 5.

"If it is May 5 then we've got 10 days before the first test starts, so it's still an extended period of time, longer than you'd have for any other tour," he said.

Vettori added the IPL had the potential to change the nature of international cricket tours.

"Guys are probably going to be on tour for shorter periods of time and there are some important commitments to the IPL. We're talking about people's financial futures as well.

"I can understand the perception of the senior guys not being there but I suppose you can also look at it the other way -- it's a chance for a couple of guys to stake a test claim.

"I suppose the best of both worlds is what we're asking for."

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan, however, suggested to the New Zealand Press Association that players would not be allowed to arrive late in England.

"The players realise where their priorities lie," he said.

"It might hurt them in the pocket for the first year but the following two years are clear for them."