Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka and Mr. Michael Holding

The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka wishes to clarify the situation concerning recent media reporting of alleged comments attributed to Michael Holding, in relation to Sri Lanka bowler Muttiah Muralitharan.

Having investigated the matter fully, the BCCSL is now completely satisfied that Mr. Holding has at no time made the comments attributed to him in certain areas of the international media.

The BCCSL is disappointed that general comments made by Mr. Holding have been placed out of context and in a fashion designed to cause controversy. The BCCSL wishes to place on record its thanks to Mr. Holding for clarifying the issue and also to withdraw the comments concerning Mr. Holding made in the BCCSL's media release of 8th March 2002.