Wellington, May 13: Spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan will play for Wellington Firebirds in the New Zealand domestic Twenty20 cricket competition next season.
Wellington Firebirds chief executive Gavin Larsen today confirmed the deal to bring the highest wicket taker in test and one-day international cricket to the province.
"It is a tremendous boost for Wellington to secure the services of one of the greatest international cricketers of all time," stuff. co. nz quoted Muralitharan, as saying.
"He is a superb cricketer and a great ambassador for the game. As well as being a huge asset for us he is also very keen to assist us in promoting the game around Wellington."
The 39-year-old Muralitharan, who has taken 800 test wickets and 534 one-day international scalps, was keen to take up the chance to play in New Zealand.
"I've always enjoyed my time in New Zealand and it is a fantastic country to tour and to play cricket in. I look forward to helping the Wellington Firebirds to success," he said in a statement.
Muralitharan, who retired from international cricket after Sri Lanka lost the World Cup final to India in April, is currently playing for Kochi Tuskers in the Indian Premier League.
Wellington won four of their 10 matches in the T20 competition last season, finishing fifth in the six-team league. (ANI)
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