Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara came out in support of former ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in his war of words with Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala.

The SLC had been disturbed by Muralitharan's role as a consultant to Australian spinners. It was alleged that he influenced the curator of the P. Sara Stadium to prepare a wicket advantageous to the Australian spinners.

Muralitharan, known in the cricketing world as 'Murali' was accused of verbally assaulting the Sri Lanan manager.

Murali defended himself, hitting back at the SLC, accusing the President of the SLC of not doing even one percent of what he is doing to the country.

Sangakkara tweeted in support of Murali on Monday evening. "Murali is a great son of Sri Lanka and he doesn't have to defend himself. He loves his country," Sangakkara tweeted. "He is free to consult or coach anyone. If SLC had ever asked him to coach Sri Lanka, he always will. His consultancy with anyone is a way he can give back to the game.

"He has given his best to his country on the field and off. He is always available for his country, all they have to do is ask. We [should be] proud of him. If any Sri Lankan spinner walks up to [Murali] and asks him about bowling, he will be the first to spend as much time as needed to help. Free."

Murali had accused the SLC of not giving opportunities to former Sri Lankan Cricketers to coach national sides. They have all moved out of the country and are doing well, he said.

In an interview with BBC Sandeshaya, Murali was extremely harsh, saying that even if local coaches are given a chance, they are paid much less than the foreign coaches. Murali said that the SLC is paying after checking the skin colour of the coaches.