Bransgrove nonplussed

Dimitri Mascarenhas has not yet played in any IPL matches

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove is not concerned by captain Dimitri Mascarenhas’ lack of games since joining the Indian Premier League.

Mascarenhas is currently the only England-qualified player in the lucrative Twenty20 tournament, where he has signed for former Hampshire skipper Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals.

But with restrictions limiting franchises to four overseas players per match he was not selected for the first three games since arriving on the sub-continent.

Warne, Shane Watson, Graeme Smith and Sohail Tanvir have been chosen instead, leaving Mascarenhas kicking his heels on the sidelines while his Hampshire team-mates get on with the domestic campaign.

But Bransgrove insists his lack of involvement is not a bone of contention.

He said: “I’m quite happy with it. We’ve come to an agreement with Rajasthan which is good for both clubs and which has allowed us to secure Dimi for another couple of years.

“I’m sure he is disappointed not to be playing but it’s not really my business at this stage. In fact I’m perfectly happy for him to have a rest.

“I’ve exchanged texts with him and I know (Hampshire coach) Paul Terry has spoken with Dimi. I’ve texted Warney too - I joked once or twice that they can send him back if they don’t want him, but if he’s frustrated he has hasn’t let it out.”