MUTTIAH Muralitharan, the controversial Sri Lankan off-spin bowler, has agreed terms to return to Lancashire next season, it was announced on Tuesday.

Murali, 32, was overseas player at Old Trafford during the 1999 and 2001 seasons when he took a total of 116 wickets in 14 first-class matches at an average of 15.

He was voted Player of the Year in 1999 by the Club's membership after taking 66 wickets in seven first-class matches.

Lancashire Cricket Manager Mike Watkinson said: "It's great to have Murali on board again; he is an obvious leader in world cricket and will provide an added edge to the early part of the season."

Chairman Jack Simmons added: "I'm highly delighted to have him at Lancashire for another season. He must be considered one of the best cricketers to have played the game."

Murali will only be available for the first half of the season due to international commitments.