Muttiah Muralitharan's Statement

My bowling action has been under intense scrutiny ever since I began my first class career in 1992 but at no stage of my career have I ever had any doubt as to the fairness of my deliveries. Being called for throwing by umpires in Australia in 1995 and again in 1999 resulted in my bowling technique being thoroughly analysed at the University of Western Australia and the University of Hong Kong. Results on both occasions, using the most upto date Technology, cleared my technique of any illegality.

The recent report by a match Referee, which is now public knowledge, only refers to a new delivery, which I have developed, called the Doosra, The period since this report has been a most traumatic time for me. I have been defamed, pilloried and severely criticized by the world's cricket media. Even the Prime Minister of Australia, has called me a chucker and then in the next sentence says I will be welcome to tour his country!!! Through this all, the supportive comments of cricketers, cricket experts and the cricket loving public from all over the world has been greatly appreciated.

I have been requested by Sri Lanka Cricket not to bowl the Doosra, and consequently, I refrained from bowling the Doosra at the recently concluded second test match against Zimbabwe played at Bullawayo.

In April 2004, consequent to the Report being made by the Match Referee, I was sent for further tests to the University of Western Australia (the "UWA"), this time on my action when bowling the Doosra.

After extensive tests, the UWA team concluded that I be allowed to continue bowling the Doosra "at least until a valid database is collected on the various spin bowling disciplines".

The UWA report, which is already in the public domain, further concluded that I do not derive an unfair advantage over batsmen or other bowlers from my bowling action when delivering the Doosra

My action is unorthodox. It is however, wrong for people to label me as a "chucker" based solely on what they see with the naked eyes, for what such people perceive as a `throw' is an `optical illusion', a fact proven by the tests carried out on my bowling action over the years.

I am a patient person and as a spin bowler you learn that trait very quickly. I am adamant in my belief that I operate within the Laws of the game and that my action when delivering the Doosra does not give me an unfair advantage. I am confident that the tests and research by the relevant authorities will conclusively prove that my action when delivering the Doosra is legal.

I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career and especially during this difficult period, including my Teammates, Past Captains and Players, Sri Lanka Cricket Present and Past Board Officials, Her Excellency the President, Hon. Prime Minister, the Hon. Minister of Sports, the Government of Sri Lanka, and the Media and especially the cricket loving public both here and abroad.