SLC to gift golden plaque to Murali

One of the "special and surprise" gifts to Test retiring bowler, Muthiah Muralidharan will be a very precious gold plaque by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), it is learnt. According to highly placed sources in SLC, Muralidharan will be presented a gold plaque of worth LKR 2.5 million (1 million Indian rupees).

"It will be presented by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the last day of the Galle Test match", the source added. "Muralidharan has been very close to the president, who has assured his presence during the prize distribution ceremony of the Galle Test which is legendary bowler's farewell Test", the source further added.

"There will be few more gifts from the individuals also. The Galle people (southern province) also have decided to present Murali a special gift made from gold", the gentleman added. An elephant carved from ivory, laced with solid 18-carat gold and studded with precious gems, will be gifted to Muthiah Muralitharan.

"The gold plaque has been prepared by Vogue Jewellers (VJ), one of the leading bridal jewellery establishments in Colombo".