Sri Lankan spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan said on Saturday he would retire from the international cricket after the World Cup 2011.

The Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai felicitated Muralitharan for completing 800-wickets in Test cricket.

Muralitharan said that he would like to end his cricketing career after appearing for his country in the World Cup.

"I have decided to play in the Australia tour and the World Cup and after the World Cup I will retire totally from international cricket," said Muralitharan.

India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, will host the World Cup, which will start from February 19, 2011.

Muralitharan had retired from Tests during the home series against India in July but showed keen interest in playing the mega-cricketing tournament.

He also played a significant role for his team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in winning the Champions League Twenty20 trophy in South Africa last month.

Muralitharan said he hoped to retain his spot in CSK.

"We have been a great side for last three years and last year was a phenomenal year for CSK because we won the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Champions Trophy. But unfortunately as retention you can hold only four players and you have to auction some players," said Muralitharan.

"Depending on how the owners want to buy the team. It's sad for the players but rules have been written, so, you can't change. So, I hope that they might buy me back otherwise I will play for which ever team pick me and I will be loyal to them," he added.

Source sify