Murali calls upon fans to watch World Cup matches

Sri Lanka's legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralidaran has called upon fans in Sri Lanka to come and support the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

"From the spectators' view, I think it is a lifetime opportunity for them to watch a galaxy of stars live in action in the biggest tournament in the sport. I would strongly urge them to make optimum use of this chance as an event of this magnitude is unlikely to be staged in Sri Lanka for, at least, another decade or so. And whenever the next World Cup is staged here, icons of this era may have already retired," he said.

"So my advice to the people of all the three host nations is to come, be part of the history and help the players and the ICC make his tournament a successful and memorable one."

He also called upon his side to raise performance levels so they can reclaim the trophy they first won in 1996.

"In next year's event, Sri Lanka will have the home advantage but we can only reclaim the World Cup if we play consistently well throughout the tournament. This is something we have done with considerable success in the recent past and will be striving to achieve, not only during the tournament but in a lead up to the tournament as every win will do a world of good to our confidence, team combination and spirits," he added.