HAMPSHIRE stars Dimi Mascarenhas and Kevin Pietersen could be playing Indian Premier League matches in England next month.

The IPL are set to make a decision today on a temporary home after deciding to move this year’s tournament from India as security could not be guaranteed because of a clash with the country’s general elections.

England and Wales Cricket Board top brass are set to meet their Indian Premier League counterparts this week to work out whether they can stage the re-routed Twenty20 spectacular next month.

Following yesterday’s revelation that the second instalment of the IPL – to be staged between April 10 and May 24 – will have to take place away from India because of security concerns amid elections in that country, England and South Africa have emerged as the potential new hosts.

ECB chief executive David Collier is to fly home from Guyana – where he was yesterday watching England in their one-day international series against West Indies – in order to meet IPL officials in London on Wednesday or Thursday.

He will do so, having been approached by the Board of Control for Cricket in India just 36 hours ago and insisting a decision must be made as soon as possible on the feasibility of staging IPL matches at such short notice – whether in England or South Africa.

Collier explained: “We have opened up discussions with the BCCI and the IPL within the last 36 hours and we’ll be continuing those discussions in the middle of this week – and then we'll be reporting back to our board at the back end of the week.

“Clearly with only three weeks to go to the start of the competition, I think all parties recognise an early decision has to be made.”

Many obstacles must be overcome quickly to make an 'English' IPL logistically possible.

The ECB appear optimistic, though, that any possible stumbling block over broadcast interests can be overcome.

Sky will be providing live coverage of England’s Test series against West Indies, which begins in early May, just as fellow satellite operation Setanta are set to screen the latter stages of the IPL.

“We have already had discussions with Sky,” Collier added.

“We always talk with all of our sponsors and broadcasters – and we’ll continue to do that.”

Many other details will have to be thrashed out at express pace if world cricket is to successfully salvage this year’s IPL.

It has already been confirmed the original schedule – 59 matches over 45 days – will be retained, with one fixture each day and two each Sunday.

ECB have also made it clear they will not disrupt their domestic or international programme – meaning the grounds available will inevitably be limited. In addition, Headingley is ruled out until around April 20 because of drainage work.

If the tournament were held in England, it is unlikely franchise teams would be able to have a home venue.

It is expected a final decision will be made within a week to 10 days, while the ECB has already indicated the change of venue is unlikely to mean any of England’s stars – contracted to face the Windies in two May Tests – will be available to their franchises for longer than was initially the case.

Mascarenhas is due to play for Shane Warne’s reigning IPL champs Rajasthan next month, while Pietersen will skipper Bangalore.