Cricket: Murali confirmed for Wellington

Muttiah Muralitharan. Photo / Getty Images

Sri Lankan spin king Muttiah Muralitharan will turn out for Wellington in the New Zealand domestic Twenty20 cricket competition next season.

Wellington Firebirds chief executive Gavin Larsen today confirmed the deal to bring the highest wicket taker in test and one-day international cricket to the province.

"It is a tremendous boost for Wellington to secure the services of one of the greatest international cricketers of all time," said Larsen.

"He is a superb cricketer and a great ambassador for the game. As well as being a huge asset for us he is also very keen to assist us in promoting the game around Wellington."

The 39-year-old Muralitharan, who has taken 800 test wickets and 534 one-day international scalps, was keen to take up the chance to play in New Zealand.

"I've always enjoyed my time in New Zealand and it is a fantastic country to tour and to play cricket in. I look forward to helping the Wellington Firebirds to success," he said in a statement.

Muralitharan, who retired from international cricket after Sri Lanka lost the World Cup final to India in April, was coached by Fleming at the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League before moving to new franchise Kochi this season along with New Zealand's Brendon McCullum.

Wellington won four of their 10 matches in the T20 competition last season, finishing fifth in the six-team league.