Pune: Sourav Ganguly, Pune Warriors captain said his side is close to signing Australian skipper Michael Clarke for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League.

As per the Sydney Morning Herald, Ganguly said that the team is on the verge of signing Clarke however, he will be available from the month of May.

Clarke avoided Indian Premier League for four editions, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given the green signal for Pune to rope in players outside this method.

But Clarke's availability in the tournament will be limited due to the ongoing West Indies tour.

The fifth season of the IPL starts on April 5. At that time, Clarke would be involved in a Caribbean Test series, which ends on April 27.

The Pune Warriors will play seven IPL matches after April 27.

Earlier, Clarke spoke about the possibility of taking part in this year's IPL in October 2010, saying it would help him prepare for the 2012 World T20 tournament in Sri Lanka.

By Indian Sports News