Sri Lanka’s ace-spinner and world’s highest Test wicket taker Muttiah Muralitharan is “unlikely” be present for the presentation ceremony on the final day of the ongoing Test between Sri Lanka and Australia, the Pakistan Observer said.

According to the Oakistan Observer, 'highly placed sources' close to the 45-year-old ex-spinner said that he is in India for family commitments.

“He left for India on Monday morning and will only be arriving in Sri Lanka after a few days”, the two independent sources confirmed to the Pakistan Observer.

“His visit was planned a few days ago and he is likely to be in Chennai or in some other Southern city of India”.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had sent him an invitation to be present for the presentation ceremony and to give away prizes after the completion of the Test match.

The present Test series between the two countries is being played for the Warne-Muralitharan trophy and unless there is a change of heart, world’s both leading spinners will not be on dais on the final day’s play at the Sinhalese Sports Ground on the scheduled last-day of the Test match on Wednesday.

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Dayasiri Jaysekera is likely to be present.

Sri Lanka has already won the series and the trophy would be handed over to Angeleo Mathews-led Sri Lankan team.