MUMBAI: Ravi Shastri and Rediffusion DYR promoted talent management agency Showdiff Worldwide has announced the signing up of ace bowler and the world's joint leading wicket taker in Test Matches, Muthiah Muralitharan.

The landmark deal marks the first instance of a Sri Lankan cricketer exploring commercial interests in India. Under the agreement Showdiff will handle all commercial endorsements and marketing commitments for the cricketing superstar in India. Muralitharan is currently the Joint World Record Holder for the maximum number of wickets (527) taken in Test Matches.

There have been a number of cricketers from across the world who have been signed up by Indian companies to promote their brand. Several international cricketers, including Steve Waugh, Brett Lee, Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming and most recently speedster Shoaib Akhtar have underlined the drawing power of world class cricketers for corporate India. The ever-smiling Muralitharan is expected to be a huge draw for Indian marketers given his remarkable record breaking successes in the face of significant adversity, an official release states.

Muralitharan is currently associated with the UN team which is dedicated to eradicating hunger from the underdeveloped nations across the world.