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Aussie
PM’s remark on Murali draws flak Deputy Sports Minister Sripathi Sooriyarachchi lashed out saying Mr. Howard's comments were unbecoming of a prime minister while Sports Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga yesterday advised Mr. Muralitharan to forge ahead without being disheartened by what he described as absurd comments made by various people including world political leaders, who were apparently perturbed by the marvellous performances of the champion off-spinner. Minister Kumaratunga said he believed even foreign political leaders were making 'desperate statements' because they could not bear the extraordinary heights the Sri Lankan spinner was achieving. Mr. Kumaratunga said other sportsmen and women should take Mr. Muralitharan as a model for his persevering and steadfast courage in the midst of obstacles. The Minister said he would be meeting Sri Lanka Cricket officials tomorrow to discuss matters arising out of Mr. Muralitharan's comments that he would not like to play in Australia because of Mr. Howard’s comments that he was a chucker. Deputy Minister Sooriyarachchi said the Sports Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and Sri Lanka Cricket would issue a joint statement today and also requested Mr. Muralitharan not to stay out of next month's Australian tour as such a move would be a serious blow to Sri Lanka. Mr. Sooriyarachchi said India's cricket chief Jagmohan Dalmiyah had assured full support for Sri Lanka from the entire Asian region if any under hand attempt was made to undercut the champion spinner. Mr. Muralitharan told a foreign news agency that a politician like Mr. Howard had no right to sit in judgement on his bowling action. |
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