Gloucestershire are resigned to losing the services of overseas star James Franklin for up to a month during the early part of the county season.

New Zealand's centrally contracted all-rounder is already booked for the Twenty20 World Cup tournament, which takes place in the Caribbean in May.

And he could be called away once more if, as expected, New Zealand Cricket confirms plans for two further overseas tours in late May and June.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan confirmed the Black Caps are seeking to play Sri Lanka in Florida in May to tap into the potentially-lucrative American market, while a controversial tour of Zimbabwe has also been given the green light in June.

Vaughan said: "We don't quite know how significant (playing in America) is going to become, it's a toe in the water. If the USA market can truly embrace cricket, the cricket world is going to be better of and New Zealand might have opportunities there as well.

"It is widely accepted there is significant commercial opportunity for cricket within the USA market."

As for Zimbabwe, the Kiwis have already admitted their concerns about touring the strife-torn nation.

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson has reassured members that Franklin will be available to play at the start of the season in April, but confirmed he could be missing for up to a month thereafter.

He said: "James is scheduled to join up with us in early April and he will definitely be with us for the start of the season. We always knew we would probably lose him for the Twenty20 World Cup, but now he could be away longer. All we can is wait and see what arrangements New Zealand cricket make.

"They are talking about these tours at present and nothing has been firmed up."

Gloucestershire have no plans to sign an overseas locum to cover for Franklin's absence.

Richardson added: "James will only be away for a short period and, given the difficulties with availability when it comes to signing quality overseas players, we are prepared to go with what we already have rather than look elsewhere."

Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori added: "James is a Black Caps contracted player, so his international commitments will have to take priority over playing for Gloucestershire."