Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene slammed the Sri Lanka Cricket authorities for their stance on former Test cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, saying that Murali does not have to defend him self.

Sri Lanka Cricket recently accused Muralitharan, who had accepted a 10 day consultancy job with Cricket Australia, of getting the pitch at P. Sara Oval doctored to suit Australian spinners.

Muralitharan, in a rare show of anger, hit back at SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala, accusing him of doing not even one percent of what he does for the country. Furthermore, he accused SLC of not giving opportunities for local coaches to coach the Sri Lankan teams. "Even if they give an opportunity, they pay much less. They pay after checking our skin colour" Muralitharan said.

Jayawardene came on Twitter a few hours ago and slammed the SLC for its stance, reminding that he was in the same boat several months ago.

"Was very disappointed to hear about SLC comments on Murali. I was in the same boat few months ago. I can only say that people know the circumstance and situations. Murali don't have to defend him self. #legend #humanitarian"

Muralitharan, who holds the record for the highest number of Test wickets in the history of the game, is also regarded as the best off spinner ever to grace international cricket.