SRI Lanka spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan could come up against Dorset’s part-time Minor Counties champions next month.

Muralitharan, who was due to line up in today’s World Cup final against India in Mumbai, is one of Gloucestershire Gladiators’ stars who could bowl against the likes of Darren Cowley and Glyn Treagus.

Gladiators provide the opposition at Sherborne School on Friday, May 27 (5pm) in the first of two T20 matches Dorset have arranged against first-class opposition.

It would be a major coup if the legendary record-breaking off-spinner, who turns 39 next month, is able to recover from hamstring, groin and knee complaints to play in North Dorset.

He has signed a two-year contract to play T20 cricket for Gloucestershire in 2011 and 2012.

Sri Lanka officials were confident Muralitharan would be fit enough to take his place in their side against India in the Wankhede Stadium today after he’d been dogged by injury throughout the World Cup.

Hampshire Royals will appear in the other game at Dean Park on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30 (2.30pm).

Dorset team manager Sean Walbridge said: “We’re all excited about the possibility of facing the likes of Muttiah, Jon Lewis, Alex Gidman and former Dorset player David Payne when we host Gloucestershire.

“However the game we believe will really capture the imagination of the public is Hampshire at Dean Park.

“It pits the Minor Counties champions against the domestic T20 champions.

“I’m sure it will really whet the appetite of the public and we’re expecting a large crowd.

“The local rivalry between the counties has always been keen and Hampshire are sure to bring a strong side as it’s their only warm-up game before the T20 competition starts.

“The likes of Dominic Cork, Dimi Mascarenhas, Shahid Afridi, Imran Tahir and Jimmy Adams will surely attract a big crowd.

“I know our guys are really looking forward to the challenge of pitting themselves against the first-class sides.

“We are actively looking for match sponsors for these games and anyone interested should contact Peter Moxam on 01929 462632.”

Admission prices for the games are £10 adult, £5 children under-18, students and OAPs, £20 family ticket (two adults and two children), £50 school and club ticket (two adults and 10 children).

Tickets can be obtained by telephoning the Dorset Cricket Board office on 01202 881349 or Dorset CCC secretary Barry Lewis on 01258 472282.

Dorset open the new season against Gloucestershire 2nds at Sherborne School in a one-day friendly tomorrow (11am).