Mumbai: Australia captain Michael Clarke finally agreed to join the Indian Premier League bandwagon and has signed a contract with the Sahara Pune Warriors as a replacement for Yuvraj Singh.

Clarke one of the biggest international players to be part of the IPL has stayed away from the lucrative league in the last four editions and his inclusion does add a lot of depth to the Pune Warriors side who would be missing Yuvraj Singh as he is recuperating post his treatment in US. 

"We are thrilled to have Michael Clarke on board. The reigning Australian skipper is one of the world's best cricketers. His presence in the side, and cricketing proficiency, will boost our prospects in the competition," said Sushanto Roy, managing director Sahara Adventure Sports Ltd.

"Clarke was exceptional in the recent Test series against India, as batsman and captain. He is a very popular cricketer in India, and followers of the sport are eagerly looking forward to his participation in the DLF IPL 2012," IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla commented.

By Indian Sports News Network