Although England's top 12 players are on central contracts and are off limits, the experienced all-rounder has reportedly been approached about joining the lucrative Twenty20 competition.

His agent David Ligertwood already handles 20 of the 78 players auctioned last week and the Rose Bowl's director of cricket Tim Tremlett admitted the big-hitting 30-year-old could be a realistic target for the competition's organisers.

Tremlett said: 'It's definitely a possibility. In Dimi's case, he has certainly been linked with the Indian Premier League.

'Dimi's agent already looks after several players who will be playing in the Indian Premier League.

'We will cross that bridge if and when we come to it. But at this stage of the season, it would certainly upset our plans in a major way if he did join.'

With Hampshire skipper Shane Warne already signed up for the tournament, Mascarenhas (above) could well be tempted by the huge financial rewards on offer.

Some of the top players will reportedly earn £470,000 for just six weeks' work.

But Tremlett believes long-serving Mascarenhas – who was rewarded with a benefit last season – could be placing his international career in doubt if he is tempted by the Indian riches. Tremlett said: 'It could possibly jeopardise Dimi's international future if he did sign up.

'If any English players were signed up, the finals do not get played until June.

'This summer's Test series against New Zealand would have started again by then and if their teams got through to the final, it would probably rule them out of the one day series as well.'