The Cricket association of Bengal (CAB) has managed to rope in spin wizard M Muralitharan to play for it in Ranji Trophy session 08-09. Interestingly, CAB was thinking of admitting either Sanath Jayasuriya or Australia's Ricky Ponting or Murali and, finally, latter was selected to represent Bengal team.

 

Sri Lankan Cricket Board has permitted Murali to play in India too. CAB President J Dalmia said that the Lankan board chief, Duleep Mendis, has sent across a fax to them mentioning that Muralitharan will be available for Bengal in the upcoming first-class engagements.

 

Dalmia further said that Murali is now available to play for Bengal, and with his experience of 756 Tests and 479 ODI wickets, Bengal cricket will benefit heavily. However, it is not clear whether Murali will play in initial matches, or will come to play knock-out round matches only.