Murali to play in Big Bash League

Muralitharan has declared his intention to play in the Big Bash League next season, and the Melbourne Renegades could be the most likely team to win his services. Muralitharan has said he is keen to take part in the Australian tournament before he retires.

"Yes, I'm going to play there next summer," Muralitharan told the Age this week. "It is going to be maybe the last year of mine so I may as well come and enjoy the Big Bash. I am still bowling well."

If Muralitharan does join a BBL side it won't be his first flirtation with Australia's T20 cricket. In 2009, he signed with Victoria for what was then called the Big Bash, but the deal fell through due to Sri Lanka's international commitments.

He told the Age his relationships with Brad Hodge and Andrew McDonald made the Renegades an attractive proposition, and such a move would also set up a cross-town spin rivalry between Muralitharan and the Melbourns Stars' Shane Warne. However, the BBL contracting window does not open until next week, after the end of the contract period for the state sides.