Murali to quit after 2011 World Cup

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Legendary off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan yesterday revealed that he would retire from limited over cricket after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and is keen to finish off his career on a high note.

“This World Cup will be my last outing,” Muralitharan, 38, told reporters on the sidelines of a training session at the Sri Lanka Cricket Headquarters in Maitland Place yesterday.

Muralitharan stated that he would retire from the 50 over game but will continue to make his presence felt in Twenty20 cricket. Muralidaran, the world’s leading wicket-taker in both Tests (800) and one-dayers (517), retired from Test matches in July last year after the opening match against India in Galle.

“My time is up. I have signed up to play for two years in the IPL (Indian Premier League). I am also looking at similar work in New Zealand and perhaps England,” the off-spinner said.

Muralitharan said that he was currently focusing on the ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be worked off in the sub continent from February 18 to April 2. “This is my fourth World Cup. We won in 1996 and came close in 2007 by reaching the final. This would be a memorable one for me and for Sri Lankan fans,” he said.

Muralitharan rated neighbours India as the biggest challenge for his team to progress as Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team is in tremendous form and is currently playing some aggressive cricket in South Africa.

But he also commented that any team that plays well on that day and handles the pressure well will emerge victorious and will move closer towards winning the World Cup.

He also noted their prime goal is to overcome the initial hurdle of qualifying for the quarterfinals by winning all the group matches at home. He said that thereafter it will be really tough and India will be one of the biggest threats if the two teams meet in between.

Muralidaran said he had no immediate plans to switch to coaching despite reports last year that he was planning to team up with retired Indian spinner Anil Kumble to start a spin academy for youngsters.

“There are plenty of coaches and lots of talented people out there. I will take things as they come. But for the moment, no coaching stints.”

Sri Lanka will host as many as 12 World Cup matches, including three at a new 22,000-seater stadium in Muralitharan’s home district of Kandy. The other nine matches will be played at the renovated R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.