Flintoff wants to play in the shorter formats of the game when he regains fitness

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is targeting playing for Chennai Super Kings in the Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa in September.

Sidelined since knee surgery in August 2009, Flintoff plans to play for county Lancashire in the next two weeks.

He will then hope to make the cut for Chennai when they reduce their initial 20-man squad to 15 on 9 August.

Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan are set to miss the competition in South Africa because of England commitments.

Batsmen Pietersen and Morgan are centrally contracted to the England and Wales Cricket Board and are likely to be involved in a one-day international series against Pakistan during September.

However, the last one-dayer against Pakistan is on 22 September meaning the duo could be allowed to play in the Champions League Twenty20 final four days later if Bangalore progress that far.

I just want to get on the cricket field for Lancashire seconds, make sure I'm right and playing well and then everything else - Chennai, England, can take care of itself Andrew Flintoff

Flintoff, who did not play for Chennai when they won the Indian Premier League in April after a brief stint with them in 2009, will have no such concerns.

The Lancastrian is not centrally contracted to the ECB and it is unlikely he would return in time in order to force his way into the England squad for five-match series against Pakistan.

"I spoke to the Chennai coach Stephen Fleming about a week and a half ago, told him where I was at with my fitness and that I would love to represent Chennai again," said Flintoff.

"I only got a chance to do that in three games last time I was there, so the Champions League is a possibility. Hopefully I'll make the cut now."

He added: "I'm hoping I'll be playing again in the next two weeks.

"Lancashire seconds is an option and everyone has been talking about me playing for my old club side St Anne's, which I'm not averse to either.

"The Champions League is massive but my main incentive now to get out and play for Lancashire. I have to get out on the field for to put myself in position to represent Chennai.

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"I've not played a game of cricket since last September and the thought of playing cricket again for Lancashire, a club which I've been at since I was nine, is massive for me.

"I'm not getting ahead of myself. I just want to get on the cricket field for Lancashire seconds, make sure I'm right and playing well and then everything else - Chennai, England, can take care of itself."

Other possible English playing Champions League Twenty20 involvement comes in the form of Nottinghamshire bowler Darren Pattinson, who is in Australian side Victoria's squad.

But Essex batsman Graham Napier, who is contracted to IPL side Mumbai Indians, has not been included in their preliminary squad.

There will be no England teams in this year's 10-team Champions League Twenty20 as the tournament, which is in its second year, clashes with the end of the domestic season.

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