Former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan hit out at the Sri Lanka Cricket authorities for the allegations directed at him, saying that if he is a traitor, SLC is a bigger traitor.

Speaking to SriLankaSports.LK Muralitharan, who is world renowned simply as 'Murali' blasted the SLC authorities including President Thilanga Sumathipala.

Referring to the allegation that he had instructed to doctor the pitch at P. Sara Oval to suit the Australian spinners, Murali said that the curator was working for the SLC and not under his instructions.

He said that he was offered a consultancy job with Cricket Australia for the whole tour but he opted for a ten day stint before the Test series started.

"If I can change the Australia team in ten days, I must be the best coach in the world," he quipped.

He slammed Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Thilanga Sumathipala for calling him a traitor and added that Sumathipala has done not even one percent of what he has done for the country. He went on to describe the charity work they have done through the Foundation of Goodness with their own money and no support from cricket authorities.

Meanwhile, speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, Murali had extremely harsh words for the lack of opportunity given to Sri Lankan coaches. Even if they give an opportunity, they pay much less, he added. "If they pay a foreigner 100 rupees, they pay us 20. They pay after looking at the color of the skin" he said, adding that it has been the same throughout the recent history of Sri Lanka cricket.

Several former players are now respected coaches in other countries, he also pointed out.

Murali added that he loved coaching and that was the only reason for him to have joined the Australian squad for a consultancy job.