Melbourne, February 19:

Thirteen Australian cricketers on Tuesday agreed to be part of the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 competition, led by Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Brett Lee.

But in a major setback for the IPL, batsman Michael Clarke, likely to be the next Australian captain, decided against joining the multi-million dollar showpiece event, along with three of his colleagues. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson also opted out so they could focus on their fledgling international careers, as did veteran Jason Gillespie.

Ponting is one of seven Australians currently in action in the one-day tri-series against India and Sri Lanka to sign on, along with retiring wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist. The pair are joined by speedster Lee, Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden, Andrew Symonds, and Nathan Bracken.

Former international Simon Katich and Cameron White are also on the list, along with recent Twenty20 international debutant David Hussey. Rounding out the 13 are retired stars Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Justin Langer.

Representatives of the eight IPL franchises will bid for players at auction in Mumbai on Wednesday.