Eight Sri Lanka stars join IPL

Muttiah Muralitharan has joined the Indian Premier League © Getty Images

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the signings of eight Sri Lanka players for the inaugural Indian Premier League.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, veteran all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya, wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara, fast bowler Lasith Malinga, left-arm paceman Nuwan Zoysa, all-rounder Farveez Maharoof and speedster Dilhara Fernando make up the list of the new signings.

Lalit Modi, chairman of the IPL, believes that such reputed players will make cricket more popular and exciting in India.

"We at the IPL are committed to enticing an entire new generation of sports fans into the grounds by showcasing some of the best cricketing talent on offer from the world over," Modi said.

"It is in line with this philosophy that we have signed eight of the current Sri Lankan squad. We are also in talks with some of the finest players in the international cricketing arena.

“I promise Indian fans that the IPL will truly be one of the finest cricketing leagues anywhere in the world."

The IPL has already roped in spinner Shane Warne, fast bowler Glenn McGrath and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming for its first edition.

The IPL is due to start in April 2008 and is based on a franchise system that will see eight teams competing in home and away matches.