Statement Issued by Muttiah Muralitharan

I understand that my decision to withdraw from the upcoming Australia Tour has attracted media attention. Regrettably many a speculation by various parties has been established as fact. For this very reason I have decided to keep away from exposing myself to various parties - including the media. I believe that I need to think through and rationalize the remarks and interpretations people have expressed on my career especially during the recent past.

Due to this reason when I visited the Sri Lanka Cricket office on the 15th of June 2004 to hand over my official letter stating my withdrawal from the tour due to personal reasons, I requested the officials that I do not want to meet the media or make any comments to them in this regard. This is the reason that I was escorted by security officials to my vehicle to prevent the media any opportunity to make any sort of contact with me.

It is my duty to bring fame to my country by playing to the best of my ability. Therefore, I earnestly request the media to please understand my situation and to grant me space until I come to terms with the present situation.

I would like to thank the media for their unstinted support, their patience and encouragement given to me throughout my career. I have always respected the media and been accessible to them in all matters.

I would like to stress that the occurrence on the 15th of June 2004, was not an effort deliberately done to disrespect the media or to prevent them from doing their job.