Former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardena said hiring Charlie Austin as his personal manager was similar to hiring a driver.

"When we travel around the world playing cricket, we don't have time to look into other affairs. That's why we have to hire personal managers," he said, in an interview with BBC Sandeshaya.

"There are claims that he influenced cricket selections through us. If that is the case, he has done a great favour to Sri Lanka Cricket. During the time we played, Sri Lanka qualified for four ICC finals and won one world cup. It was considered the best time of Sri Lanka's cricket," he quipped.

During the BBC Sandeshaya interview, he also lashed out at the current cricket selectors for being too experimental with players.

"Over 40 players have played for the side during the last two years. Players are being juggled too much and they are under constant pressure," Jayawardena said.

When asked about allegations made by former cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga, Jayawardena said there was no point in talking about it.

"When you choose to look at a problem from only one angle, there is no point in talking about it further," he added.