LANCASHIRE Chairman Jack Simmons was due to arrive in Sri Lanka today to finalise the deal which he believes will bring the Championship Trophy to Old Trafford next September.

His target is Muttiah Muralitharan and Simmons told Lancashire's annual meeting at the weekend: "I am determined that nothing goes wrong. . . I'll bring him back in my suitcase if I have to."

Murali, the most feared spinner in the world, is already booked to rejoin Lancashire and they are hoping he can repeat the form which earned him 66 wickets in just six matches when he first played for the club in 1999.

But although they have already had permission from Sri Lanka and the player's word that he will be coming back to Old Trafford, Simmons is taking no chances and will meet up with him in Columbo before the Test series begins.

"I'll have all the paperwork ready, his contract and work permit and then we can all look forward to seeing him play for us again" he said.

Simmons was re-elected to the committee at the annual meeting, leading the poll of six candidates with 2,387 votes. Clive Lloyd (2,208), David Dunkley (1,696) and Mike Whelan (1,644) filled the other three vacancies.