Thousands flock to see Muralitharan in war-torn north

Legendary spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, the world's most famous Tamil cricketer, caused chaos in Jaffna - a war-ravaged Tamil city on the northern tip of Sri Lanka - on Sunday as thousands flocked to watch the off-spinner play in an exhibition game.

Muralitharan, who last visited Jaffna as a shy nine year old during a family business trip, was provided superstar treatment by a cricket-starved population emerging from a two-decade long civil war that has cost an estimated 64,000 lives.

But with the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) and the Sri Lanka government having agreed a ceasefire in February and with peace talks due to start in Bangkok later this month, Muralitharan's visit came at a time of burgeoning optimism throughout Sri Lanka.

Although his hometown is Kandy, a hill-country town far away from the troubles in the north, Muralitharan, the fifth highest Test wicket-taker of all-time with 430 wickets at 23.33, was given a hero's reception throughout the weekend

For those craving peace, the national cricket team has represented a powerful force of unity, especially since winning the 1996 World Cup, showing that Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese can all live and work together in harmony.

Muralitharan, who has steered away from politics during his remarkable career, was hopeful of a permanent solution to the northern conflict: "We have to wait and see what happens...but at the moment it looks good. The success of it depends upon political decisions the leaders make."

Muralitharan was forced to endure a grueling 12-hour drive from Colombo on the recently opened A9 road, stopping for lunch with the army at Omanthai before crossing into LTTE controlled territory were he shook hands with Tiger soldiers.

He was clearly moved by the journey, having seen the destruction caused by the war first hand, saying, moments before his arrival in Jaffna: "It's so sad to see the area like this, my only hope is that there'll be lasting peace and an improvement in the living standard of the innocent people living here."

Although he arrived after the closure of the last Tiger checkpoint before Jaffna, he was welcomed through by blushing women cadres. In the evening he attended a promotional dinner and for accommodation he had to make do without the five-star luxury international cricketers are accustomed to nowadays.

On Sunday morning 15,000 spectators, most of whom arrived on bicycle, converged at Central College cricket ground, the cities most famous college, which stands in front of the magnificent-looking Jaffna library, the most striking building in the city.

Muralitharan captained the Janashakthi XI, electing to bat first. He batted at number four, walking to the crease to thunderous applause. However, probably with the high expectations weighing heavily on his shoulders, he scored just four, as Janashakthi score 192 for six in their 30 overs.

Jaffna responded well, coming within 14 runs of a famous victory. Ironically Muralitharan, one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket, failed to take a single wicket during a four over spell. Indeed, he was treated with scant respect as 19 runs were plundered off his first over.

Popular wicket-keeper batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana and fast bowler Ruchira Perera also joined Muralitharan in Jaffna. Kaluwitharana, who has been dropped from the national squad, scored just 10.

It had been hoped that other senior Sri Lanka cricketers would also participate, but they were prevented from doing so by the cricket board, which did not want to risk injuries with the ICC Champions Trophy stating on Sept 12.