Middlesex sign Gilchrist for Twenty20s

Middlesex have signed a contract with Adam Gilchrist, and are in talks with Sachin Tendulkar, to play Twenty20 cricket for the county during the 2010 domestic season.

Vinny Codrington, the Middlesex chief executive, said he was "absolutely delighted" with the signing of Gilchrist. "We've worked extremely closely with the MCC to ensure that Adam comes on board with us next season," he said "and this signing is great testament to how well our two clubs are working together to guarantee that Middlesex supporters and MCC members alike are rightfully treated to the very best world talent that Twenty20 cricket has on offer."

Codrington confirmed that the county was also in discussion with Tendulkar and his agent. "As a result of Sachin's busy schedule of late however; representing India in the one day series against Australia, playing in the current Test series against Sri Lanka and celebrating his twenty years in international cricket, this is yet to be confirmed," Codrington said. "He is due to be speaking to the BCCI about playing for us next season when the time is right."

Gilchrist has played 13 Twenty20 internationals for Australia, while Tendulkar gave up the format at the international level after just one match, but both batsmen are captains of their respective IPL franchises - Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians. Gilchrist has never played for a county while Tendulkar's only appearance was as a 19-year-old for Yorkshire in 1992, when he was the county's first overseas player.

Signing up Tendulkar will be an expensive proposition but the MCC and Middlesex could hope to recover costs partly through gate money - targeting the sizeable South Asian community in and around London - and, given that England's domestic limited-overs games are shown live on Indian television, from international sponsorship deals.