LANCASHIRE chairman Jack Simmons handed out a blunt warning over the protracted Muttiah Muralitharan affair.

Simmons told a packed annual meeting at Old Trafford that he expected Sri Lanka to give permission for Murali to join Lancashire after the World Cup.

But he added: "If they insist on certain conditions I'm sure the committee will discuss whether it's worthwhile or not.

"We have made contingencies, but it has to be remembered that Wasim Akram recommended Murali as the one player who could make an outstanding side even better."

Lancashire tried several times last week to get the written permission from Sri Lanka needed to register Murali with Lord's. But today they were still waiting.

Sri Lanka are concerned that their number one match-winner would tire himself out in the hurly-burly of county cricket, and that they might not get the best out of him for their home Test series with Australia in September.

That anxiety might lead to a demand that Lancashire restrict his bowling.

If the deal falls through Lancashire could turn to Indian spinner Anil Kumble or offer a return to Wasim who has agreed to play club cricket in Birmingham.

Or, depending on the players they might lose to England, they could even opt for a batsman.

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