Murali to appear for Indian state team

Kolkata: India Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spin ace, will be playing for the state of Bengal during their domestic fixtures in India in the upcoming season.

The decision of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow one foreign cricketer per state team has paved the way for the master off-spinner to turn out for the state, subject to his availability after national duty.

Gulf News has learnt that Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, the former BCCI President who made a comeback at his backyard in the last elections of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), masterminded the casting coup.

While Murali's presence at the Eden Gardens may see a decent turnout during the Ranji Trophy matches, he is expected to play a key role in piloting the team from the 'Plate division.'

Bengal team also has former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly in their ranks.