Adam Gilchrist [Images] is still hoping to take part in the inaugural Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL) despite reports that Australia's top players will be prevented from competing.

Gilchrist, who is retiring from international cricket next month, says he wants to play in the lucrative IPL tournament starting in April.

Tournament organisers have agreed with most international boards, including Australia, not to choose players until they have been retired for at least two years but 36-year-old Gilchrist is expecting an exemption.

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"As far as I know at the moment, Cricket Australia haven't given me any indication they wouldn't want me to be part of that, but I'm not 100 percent sure," Gilchrist told the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday.

The same newspaper said Australia's current players are in danger of losing their contracts because of a sponsorship row between the IPL and Cricket Australia.

According to the report, CA wants its existing sponsors to be promoted during the IPL but organisers have rejected the request.

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Australia captain Ricky Ponting [Images] told reporters in Sydney on Thursday that the players are trying not to even think about the issue.

"We all know the likelihood of us Australian players being able to do this year is pretty minimal, so we'll worry about all those other outside distractions, if you like, once this summer is over and done with," he said.