Cricket Australia has given the 33-year-old the green light to participate in the tournament but told BBC Sport his international commitments remained his priority.

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"I apologise for the inconvenience that my withdrawal may cause but I trust you understand, the situation is beyond my control and I would much rather participate in the tournament than be in the current position regarding my health, " Murray said in a letter to the Shanghai tournament organisers.

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But as the clock ticks down on the five-year agreement between ERC and the six national unions that participate in the Heineken Cup, there are those who believe the tournament could be making bigger financial gains.

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"I have stuck out my neck in this country trying to show Jewish people are as normal as other people, " he said, pointing out that the government had allowed the Israeli cricket team to participate in an international tournament held in Malaysia last April.

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However, as England's top clubs are bound to participate in RFU-sanctioned competitions until 2009, they are effectively committed to the tournament for an extra two years beyond the current agreement.

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