Australia skipper Michael Clarke has signed up with Indian Premier League franchise Pune Warriors for the fifth season of the tournament. Pune captain Sourav Ganguly, who was impressed with Clarke's good show in the series against India, approached the Australian captain with a deal even though he doesn't play T20s for Australia.
The 2012 edition of the league will be Clarke's first season, as he has always been reluctant to play in the cash-rich league as he wanted to give priority to his national commitments. However, it was also rumoured that the franchises were not willing to pay him the base price he had set for himself.
Clarke will join the Pune Warriors side only for the second half of the tournament as Australia are set to play a Test series in the West Indies.
"We are thrilled to have Michael Clarke on board. The reigning Australian skipper is one of the world's best cricketers. His presence in the side, and cricketing proficiency, will boost the prospects of Pune Warriors India in the DLF IPL 2012," Sushanto Roy, Managing Director, Sahara Adventure Sports Ltd, said.
The IPL CEO Sundar Raman confirmed the development in his twitter page, saying "Michael Clarke to play for Pune warriors india in IPL 2012.".
Clarke's presence will boost the Ganguly-led side, as it has lost key players including previous year's captain Yuvraj Singh (health issues). All rounder James Hopes has also been ruled out of the entire league because of an injury.
The 2012 edition of the league will be Clarke's first season, as he has always been reluctant to play in the cash-rich league as he wanted to give priority to his national commitments. However, it was also rumoured that the franchises were not willing to pay him the base price he had set for himself.
Clarke will join the Pune Warriors side only for the second half of the tournament as Australia are set to play a Test series in the West Indies.
"We are thrilled to have Michael Clarke on board. The reigning Australian skipper is one of the world's best cricketers. His presence in the side, and cricketing proficiency, will boost the prospects of Pune Warriors India in the DLF IPL 2012," Sushanto Roy, Managing Director, Sahara Adventure Sports Ltd, said.
The IPL CEO Sundar Raman confirmed the development in his twitter page, saying "Michael Clarke to play for Pune warriors india in IPL 2012.".
Clarke's presence will boost the Ganguly-led side, as it has lost key players including previous year's captain Yuvraj Singh (health issues). All rounder James Hopes has also been ruled out of the entire league because of an injury.
