ADAM Gilchrist is set to become the hottest property in the Indian Premier League where he could expect to earn more than $1 million this year for just 44 days work.

Gilchrist’s retirement from international cricket after the triangular one-day series finishes in March will allow him to play in the inaugural season of India’s boom Twenty20 competition where money is no barrier.

While Australia’s top players are likely to earn about $120,000 each in tour fees if the trip to Pakistan goes ahead in March-April, Gilchrist could earn more in one IPL season – beginning April 18 – than he would in an entire year from his Cricket Australia contract and match fees.

Gilchrist has already signed an expression of interest to play this season and will command a base fee of at least $300,000. This figure could then rise dramatically once the eight franchises – which last week sold for a combined $820 million – bid for his services.

At 36, Gilchrist could easily play in India for the next three seasons and significantly boost his retirement fund.

Australia’s top players are unlikely to be able to play in the IPL in the next two years because of international commitments but Gilchrist can now join the likes of retired champions Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath in the cashed-up tournament.

Gilchrist’s manager Steve Atkinson yesterday said he and his great friend would discuss future plans this week.

The greatest-batsman wicketkeeper of all time is expected to be given a rousing farewell across Australia next month when the tri-series, also involving India and Sri Lanka, is held.

The farewell celebration began yesterday when he was given a standing ovation by the Adelaide crowd and Indian team when he came out to bat.

While his 14-run knock lasted only 18 minutes, it was played in a typical free-flowing manner which culminated in a wide slash outside off stump at paceman Irfan Pathan and a catch to cover.

Gilchrist has yet to elaborate on a retirement which has shocked teammates but one which his father Stan said had been a "while coming".

But in a brief interview with fellow wicketkeeping great Ian Healy yesterday, Gilchrist said he felt "great, really happy".

He confirmed that a "voice" inside him had sent him a simple message on Thursday – just hours after his stunning dropped catch off V.V.S Laxman – declaring it was time to leave the game.

"I thought about discussing it with a lot of people, past players, what they went through but I just knew," he said yesterday.

"It’s an old cliche but I just knew. There was a point in time when I just knew."

As tributes continued to pour in from across the cricketing world yesterday, there was one man Gilchrist was desperate to hear from – his brother Glenn who is away on camp and has been out of telephone range.

"He is camping in the middle of Queensland," Gilchrist said.

"If someone sees him please tell him.

"Glenn my brother, track him down, I’d love him to be here."

Gilchrist’s parents rushed to Adelaide from their NSW hometown of Lismore on Saturday to see their son in action for the final time in Test cricket.

He will provide a tell-all about his decision to quit once the deciding fourth Test is over.