I am doing a professional job: Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan, perhaps one of the most decorated Sri Lankan bowlers of yesteryear has been accused by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board for a bust-up with a former colleague. Murali currently serves as the bowling consultant for the Australian side and is back in the country of his birth to do the job he was thrust with.

On the eve of the Test series, SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala accused Muralitharan of insulting Sri Lanka team manager Charith Senanayake in a row over the Australians’ use of a practice pitch in Colombo.

“Muralitharan’s behaviour is unacceptable and we have brought this to the notice of the Australian team management,” Sumathipala told reporters.

“It should not have happened. We are very disappointed.”

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“He rode roughshod over the groundsmen and got his (Australian) players to practise in violation of the time stipulations,” Sumathipala said. “He later confronted our team manager (Senanayake) and abused him.”

However, in spite of the issues that have sprung up, Muralitharan posted a video on YouTube stating that he was not a traitor and was only performing a professional  job by serving as the bowling consultant for the Australian cricket team.

“I am doing a professional job,” said the 44-year-old former spinner.

“I am not a traitor. Sri Lanka has not tried to make use of my services, so I am helping the Australians who value my contributions.”

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“Professionally it is okay for Murali to coach any foreign team, but the irony is that he is supporting Australia which tried to get him out of cricket,”

“He is creating long-term damage for himself among his fans.”  Sumathipala said.