IPL: Pune Warriors retain Ganguly

Inducted as an injury replacement last year, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been retained by Pune Warriors for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

Ganguly had signed up with the franchise after the start of the tournament last year. He had been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions of the Twenty20 event and had led the side in 2008 and 2010.

"We are privileged to have a player of Sourav Ganguly's calibre in our squad. He has been one of India's greatest and most inspirational cricketers. We have no doubt that his presence in the team will boost the team's prospects in the IPL, and motivate the boys to excel themselves," Abhijit Sarkar, Pune Warriors Director, said.

IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said the presence of veterans such as Ganguly enhances the league's appeal.

"Sourav Ganguly's record speaks for itself. Icons like him only enhance the phenomenon that is the IPL. He has always set high standards for himself, and we can expect some outstanding performances from him in the tournament," Shukla said.

Elsewhere, Kings XI Punjab have signed David Miller, the middle-order batsman from South Africa, for the next two seasons.

The IPL's fifth edition will start on April 4.