Murli to play in Twenty20 World Cup

London, June 19 (UNI) Ace off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will play in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa in September this year.

''I will miss the last three matches (for Lancashire) because my cricket board has insisted that I go to play in the Twenty20 World Cup,'' Murali was quoted as saying on the Lancashire's website.

After arriving at Old Trafford last month, Murali said he would not be going to South Africa to play in the inaugural competition, but the new Sri Lanka Coach Trevor Bayliss has informed all contracted players that they will be required for the tournament, meaning he will miss Lancashire's final three County Championship games.

''I will play five more Championship games with Lancashire,'' said the champion leg spinner.

Murali will now miss LV Division One games against Durham, Warwickshire and Surrey.

UNI