Fleming draws Murali to Wellington
April 3, 2011 11:17 am
Wellington looks to have secured the services of world cricket’s highest wicket-taker, Muttiah Muralitharan, for two seasons.
The curtain came down on the Sri Lankan’s outstanding international career in his side’s World Cup final loss this morning, but Murali hasn’t called complete time on cricket just yet.
The Herald on Sunday reported today that the 38-year-old said he wants to help out the Firebirds in the HRV Cup, and that’s all thanks to Stephen Fleming.
Fleming has been in charge of the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, where Murali plays, and the two have got to know each other well.
“Stephen has a bit to do with Wellington, so I have promised him I would come to play for two years to help them,” Murali said before the final this morning.
Fleming, Wellington, and the whole of New Zealand in fact, will be hoping that a deal can be inked before the next HRV Cup, but Murali wasn’t sure on the prospects of it happening quite that quickly.
“I don’t know. It’s up to Stephen to put through a deal for me. I’ve always enjoyed playing there. You have nice, friendly people and a competitive (international) cricket team given you made the (World Cup) semi-finals again.”
The Firebirds have struggled in the domestic Twenty20 competition so far, having never finished better than fourth since the Cup started five years ago.
New Zealand’s domestic scene has been a drawcard for other current and former international stars, including Tillakaratne Dilshan, Herschelle Gibbs, Brett Lee and David Warner. (ONE Sport)
