Muttiah Muralitharan Throws Brian Lara a Fresh Challenge in Masters Champions League

The world's leading wicket-taker versus the man who has the highest score in an innings in international cricket. The stage is set for the ultimate contest between ball and bat as Muttiah Muralitharan dreams of Brian Lara's wicket once again. (Virender Sehwag To Square Off Sourav Ganguly in Masters Champions League)

The inaugural edition of the Masters Champions League in January-February will provide the perfect platform for two legends of the game to go head-on once more. Both in their 40s, Murali, who had taken a record 800 Test wickets, has had limited success against Lara, who continues to hold the record for the highest Test score of 400 not out. (Michael Vaughan Appointed Player-Coach For Capricorn Commanders in Masters Champions League)

In 20 ODIs, Muralitharan dismissed Lara only once. In eight Tests, the Lankan off-spinner, has got Lara five times at an average of 56.80. (Masters Champions League Auction: Jacques Kallis Fetches Top Price)

The MCL, a T20 tournament for retired cricketers, will see an array of legends who will renew their rivalries in UAE from January 28-February 13, 2016. While Muralitharan will lead Gemini Arabians, the Prince of Cricket from Trinidad will captain Leo Lions.

"Brian and Sachin (Tendulkar) were great players. Brian is 45-46 and I am three years younger...may be, I will get over him this time," Muralitharan said in an interview.

The concept of former stars competing against each other is slowly gaining ground. The All-Stars Series, a brain child of Tendulkar and Shane Warne, was quite a success in the United States recently. The MCL is targeting the huge Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan population in the Gulf nations.

Interestingly, Muralitharan's team also has another off-spinning legend, Saqlain Mushtaq from Pakistan. It will be interesting to see who gets Lara's wicket.