Pune Warriors captain Ganguly says Clarke may play in IPL

Pune, Mar 15(ANI): Pune Warriors captain Sourav Ganguly has said his side is close to signing Australian skipper Michael Clarke for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League.

"We're on the verge of signing (Michael) Clarke ... however, he will be available from May," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ganguly, as saying.

Clarke avoided Indian Premier League for four editions.

He did not nominate for this season's auction, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given the green signal for Pune to rope in players outside this method.

But Clarke's availability in the tournament will be limited due to ongoing West Indies tour.

The fifth season of the IPL starts on April 5. At that time, Clarke would be involved in a Caribbean Test series, which ends on April 27.

The Pune Warriors will play seven IPL matches after April 27.

Clarke spoke about the possibility of taking part in this year's IPL in October 2010, saying it would help him prepare for the 2012 World T20 tournament in Sri Lanka.

It may be recalled that he retired from Twenty 20 cricket in January 2011. (ANI)