Ganguly Signs for Glamorgan

Struggling Glamorgan have signed Indian Test captain Sourav Ganguly as their second overseas player.

The Welsh county sit bottom of the County Championship Division One table and, subject to international clearance, Ganguly will join up with his new county in time for the Championship match against Sussex at Swansea which begins next Wednesday.

The 31-year-old has signed to play for June and July but that could be extended if Ganguly's appeal against his ban for six one-day internationals is dismissed.

Ganguly is currently suspended for six ODIs because of a slow over rate and the ban will prevent him playing for India in Sri Lanka in early August.

Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin said: "We're delighted to have secured Sourav's services.

"It appears he has been given leave to miss the Indian training camp in July, something we're expecting written confirmation on shortly, and although we are signing him on the basis of him being available until the end of July there is a strong chance that he will be with us for longer.

"It is exactly the sort of boost which the captain, coach and players require and to have secured the services of the Indian Test captain will not only help the team but as one of the leading names in world cricket he will prove an attractive draw for our members and supporters."

Ganguly's signing has also been welcomed by Glamorgan captain Robert Croft. "This is great news for the club and comes at a good time," he said.

"We've had a difficult start to the season and although we felt it was important to look at some of the younger players in the early matches we are anticipating that Matthew Maynard will be retiring to take up a position with the ECB and we felt we had to act to strengthen the side in his absence.

"We wanted to sign someone who not only has a proven track record but who will be looked up to in the dressing room. Sourav will be a great asset to the team and we're looking forward to playing with him."