Vettori replaces Muralitharan in the Jamaica Tallawahs (06:59)

Kingston (Jamaica), June 26 (IANS/CMC) Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has been confirmed as the replacement for Muttiah Muralitharan in the Jamaica Tallawahs for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Sri Lankan bowler Muralitharan is now unavailable for the tournament which opens July 11 at the National stadium in Grenada, CMC.

Vettori, who was recently head coach for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will once again team up with Chris Gayle as he and the Tallawahs aim to retain their CPL trophy.

"It's a privilege to be able to step in and help the Tallawahs defend their title," said Vettori Wednesday.

"Having heard so many positive words about the CPL from my fellow cricketers, when the opportunity to come to the Caribbean and play in arguably one of the world's most flamboyant and exciting T20 competitions came along, I couldn't turn it down."

Vettori is credited with a wealth of experience from an extensive international career as well as from time spent in the IPL and Australian Big Bash.

"Murali certainly leaves big shoes to be filled at the Tallawahs, but we're confident Daniel has the ability and personality to become a valuable asset for the team," said Damien O'Donohoe, the CPL CEO.

"He's immensely popular throughout world cricket and his presence with the Tallawahs will only be a positive for his new teammates and the biggest party in sport."

Guyana Amazon Warriors take on the Antigua Hawksbills in the opening game of the tournament.

The Tallawahs play their first match the following day, against St Lucia Zouks.