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Murali says 'not end of the world'

27 March 2013 04:26 am - 86     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The city of Chennai, in many ways, has been a second home for Muttiah Muralitharan. Besides being a Tamil, the former Sri Lankan off-spinner is married to an Indian who belongs to the city. Moreover, Muralitharan represented the Chennai Super Kings during the first three seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

But with the Tamil Nadu government having declared the state capital a 'no-Sri-Lankan-zone', Muralitharan will in all likelihood be forced to give Chennai a miss during the sixth edition of IPL starting next month.

And the 40-year-old Sri Lankan spin legend expressed his disappointment at the unsavoury developments.

"It's sad that the Tamil Nadu government doesn't want us there. It's always unfortunate when people in power start mixing politics with sports. So if they don't want me in Chennai then I won't go. I can't do anything else about it," Muralitharan told The Indian Express on Tuesday.

Muralitharan, who now represents Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), however, confirmed his participation in IPL-6 and said that he will be very much a part of RCB's campaign.

"The IPL is a great tournament. And I love being a part of it. I now play for Bangalore and I'm sure our fans there will be looking forward to seeing us in action. So what if Chennai doesn't want us. It's not the end of the world. I'll still be a part of the team in all other cities and enjoy their support," he added.

In the aftermath of the TN government's move, many former Sri Lankan cricketers such as Arjuna Ranatunga have asked the 13 Sri Lankan players, including Muralitharan, to boycott IPL-6 as a whole. But Muralitharan urged his compatriots to take a more pragmatic stand.

"It's disappointing for sure but we are entertainers after all and should not get involved with the politics. Our job is to go out there and perform. The worst case is that we will be left out of the team for that one match. Eventually the decision will be left to the individual but I'm sure the IPL as a whole will not be affected by this," said Muralitharan.
Muralitharan with his wife Madhimalar Ramamurthy

Muralitharan added that the ban also affected him at a personal level considering the deep-rooted links he shares with Chennai. And also because he is a Tamil.

"I am a Tamil. But I'm a Sri Lankan first. And the ban means, I'm not wanted there either. I can assure you that there has been immense peace all around Sri Lanka since the war ended and the Tamils are living very happily here. They are treated equally well," he explained. (Source: Indian Express)

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  Comments - 86

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  • Mohamed Hussain Wednesday, 27 March 2013 10:00 AM

    Well said Murali. Thank you very much for your valuable comment.

    Sim Wednesday, 27 March 2013 11:32 AM

    Hope all Sri Lankans think that they are Sri Lankans first and later to what ever religion/ethnic group they belong. So it will be a beautiful place to live in

    Amir Wednesday, 27 March 2013 11:17 AM

    The most important thing is that he didn't forget he is a Sri Lankan.

    Retro Wednesday, 27 March 2013 11:16 AM

    You must be living in TN..

    mack Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:00 AM

    you are a example for politicians via DM Android App

    dasan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:00 AM

    well said sir. via DM Android App

    lamaya Wednesday, 27 March 2013 10:29 AM

    Modayo lankawe okkoma modayo neme.

    MW Wednesday, 27 March 2013 10:06 AM

    The ultimate reality is nobody is living happily in this country( except for handful of billionaires).
    The whole country is taken for a ride by one family. Let a long talking about special reconciliation efforts towards Tamil people.

    lankan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 10:04 AM

    Poor Murali does not know what is happening in North and East....

    Bernard Wednesday, 27 March 2013 10:02 AM

    Quote "I can assure you that there has been immense peace all around Sri Lanka since the war ended and the Tamils are living very happily here. They are treated equally well," he (Murali)explained".Unquote

    In which world are you? Do the affected Tamils in Sri Lanka share your sentiments? You will be held in high esteem by 15 Million Sihalese but how will the 70 Million Tamils consider your comments. Wake up MM and look at the reality.

    Mohamed Hussain Wednesday, 27 March 2013 10:00 AM

    Well said Murali. Thank you very much for your valuable comments.

    Anjosh Wednesday, 27 March 2013 11:36 AM

    I like your stand not to mix Sports with Politics. But do not make silly statements that Tamils are living very happily in Srilanka.

    ajan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:59 AM

    Good lier. shame

    K.Rushangan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:32 AM

    Well Said Murali. Mixining Politics with Sports is the ugliest thing. And, as a Sri Lankan and a Tamil, you have represented the situation genuinely.

    jacoob Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:27 AM

    Tamils living peacefully is Sri Lanka.. utter lie .. Being a Tamil I can say that ..

    SAM_SPARROW Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:19 AM

    It is true. What did he do to north and east tamils? nothing.

    ganga Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:17 AM

    but UNPers here still having problems..lol

    Sillypoint Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:17 AM

    Great Sportman, true legend of our times is Muttiah Muralitharan.
    His wonders in the field and achievements in sports will stand for a very very long time to come, if not even forever.
    A smiling face worth millions, to open the eyes first in the morning at Murali's picture.
    You are true Brand Ambassador of our Country always!

    dias Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:05 AM

    Well said murali you are not a tamil you are a sri lankan

    saman Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:04 AM

    Tamil Nadu is a real sh@t hole; everybody knows that.

    malkanthi Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:00 AM

    Murali does not forget his roots.

    malkanthi Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:58 AM

    Lucky guy either way!

    Burampi Aatha Thursday, 28 March 2013 01:38 AM

    Hey Murali, you won't be popular among the TNA gang, the diaspora dudes waiting for their refugee visas to be approved UNHCR puppets, the NGOs and of course the Uncle SAM! Watch out mate!

    raj Thursday, 28 March 2013 11:03 AM

    Why are big shots in SL still clinging on to their green card?

    Sugath Thursday, 28 March 2013 10:31 AM

    I am sure that Murali do not know about current context of North & East. He is from a royal familyand being a well know person ..........very happy

    Sugath

    Faceit Thursday, 28 March 2013 10:26 AM

    bad spelling. more shame.

    Faceit Thursday, 28 March 2013 10:21 AM

    Dude, didn't you read what he said?? Its in black and white!! He said DONT boycott IPL and leave it to the politicians to solve the issue, they will play in the other states.

    Sheesh. Typical instance of seeing what you want to see.

    dilini Thursday, 28 March 2013 05:59 AM

    well said Murali. all i can say is we srilankan dont need to go to TN. even our beggers on the street have a better life than some poeple who live in TN. Normally you sink and rot after you die. but TN and people in TN sink all the time through out their lives. Stupid maggot infested TN

    thusith Thursday, 28 March 2013 05:22 AM

    I personally think that the people put comments here against what Murali said, are currently living in Europe, Canada or UK. I don't think they have visited their villages for last 25 years to see how their relations survive. They earned and sent money for their families as well as Tamil Tigers. And now they are worried whether they have to return to this peaceful country since they left the country as refugees.

    xlntgson Thursday, 28 March 2013 05:11 AM

    Celebrities enjoy double citizenship, commoners?

    xlntgson Thursday, 28 March 2013 05:11 AM

    Celebrities enjoy double citizenship, commoners?

    Suq Madique Thursday, 28 March 2013 02:44 AM

    Our cricketers poor??? Time to stop dreaming and start living in reality.

    Living the dream o/s Thursday, 28 March 2013 02:15 AM

    Sri Lanka players are poor and don't get paid much unlike the Australian and English cricketers, so they rely on the IPL to feed their families.

    malkanthi Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:57 AM

    You want him to divorce her??

    Chamma Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:47 PM

    Well said Muralii

    raj Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:21 PM

    "Tamils are living very happily here" murali are you 100% sure.

    Suq Madique Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:15 PM

    Bernard you need to get out your cave more often and see the reality for yourself instead of relying on rumours and lies.

    Suq Madique Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:12 PM

    Doesn't your comment only prove tamils can't get along with each other? Then how can you expect them to get along with other communities?

    Suq Madique Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:11 PM

    What did you do for tamils in the N&E??

    Suq Madique Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:10 PM

    Well we don't hear any tamils here grumbling other than those living abroad. Which slum in TN do you reside in?

    Tisara Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:00 AM

    well done Murali via DM Android App

    kiwi Wednesday, 27 March 2013 11:44 AM

    Well said Murali you are one of the Tamils who lives along with Sinhalese and Muslims and have had no trouble for 30 years even when the war was there.These are all diaspora creations trying to paint a sorry picture of SL.All these people who talk about Tamils now, where were they when the Tamil tigers violated the rights of even Tamil,Muslim,Sinhalese children for 30 years using them as child soldiers and also using their schools as weapons dumps and hospitals as bunkers and the food and medicine were stolen from them and kept in their bunkers.

    Bernard Wednesday, 27 March 2013 11:37 AM

    Until he gets screwed by both.

    Nathan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:21 AM

    I really appriciate murali becasue he tells the truth. as Tamil I too agree with Murali.. we have more than enough freedom in sri lanka than tamils in India. the sinhala family living near my home is the most trustable and close friend of our family than same ralation in our family. But no bodies in TN trust what we are talking abour peace in Sri Lanka becasue they have diferent dreams

    Korale Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:00 AM

    Grate comment sir.

    "I am a Tamil. But I'm a Sri Lankan first. And the ban means, I'm not wanted there either. I can assure you that there has been immense peace all around Sri Lanka since the war ended and the Tamils are living very happily here. They are treated equally well,"

    kondebendapucheena Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:54 AM

    As Sinhalise I m Very Proud of Murali you are true Sri Lankan and We love you

    Ranjit. S Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:49 AM

    Murali you are great. You should be very proud to be a Tamil and a true Sri Lankan.

    Sai Saran Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:48 AM

    Well, what else can he say becuase he has some of his family members in SL and lot wealth he had earned there!

    lankaweBuwa Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:40 AM

    You are a true legend. Above all, u are a real son of mother Lanka.

    Azam Sheriffdeen Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:37 AM

    Our problem is our politicians feel they are Sinhala Buddists first, and Sri Lankan second. Often they they forget second.

    cocohead Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:33 AM

    Thank you for being sensible and taking the middle path. Good Luck to you!!

    wijebahu Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:32 AM

    Make Murali the Prsedent, He will do a much better Job.

    BAWA Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:31 AM

    we are tamilan or Muslim, we proud to say " we are Sri Lankan" but still we need GOSL must control BBS

    Nathan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:25 AM

    as Murali is telling truth always, that vis why most of sinhalese like him and respect him since he entered to cricket. dont forget the history.. when Murali is hit by the umpire Drral in Australia, only sinhala guy, Arjuna Ranathunga protect him..all our friend in TN.. think about relaity and truth and allow us to liive happiliy with our kids..

    Sam Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:03 AM

    Thanks Murali, A true brother of Sinhalese.

    tony Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:18 AM

    What if politicians can be as cool as sportsmen

    Tangent Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:14 AM

    Money does all the talking.

    SAM_SPARROW Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:11 AM

    Murali considers that he is a Sri Lankan first and then Tamil but TN considers he is Tamil first then he is Sri Lankan. Either way he is safe in TN.

    Cancer Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:10 AM

    You are a living example to prove to the world how misinformed they are about the Tamils in Sri Lanka. In fact, they live a better life and happier than people in Tamil Nadu. Well said brother.

    Kadmin Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:02 AM

    Well said mate. Hope every player will boycott IPL6. Country first. This is why we as Sri Lankan love Murali. And we believe there is no bad blood between us as citizens.

    cha Wednesday, 27 March 2013 04:57 AM

    That is the reality...

    cha Wednesday, 27 March 2013 04:56 AM

    Tat is the reality.

    Amir Wednesday, 27 March 2013 04:51 AM

    Well said murali. Boycotting the tournament is pointless because only the TN was named as a danger zone. Its the politicians who should take care of these things not the sportsmen. As usual they are trying to pass the ball. Who wants to go to TN anyway?

    Sri Lankan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 04:47 AM

    Well said Murali...... Thank You

    chux Wednesday, 27 March 2013 04:43 AM

    Hats off to you mate as present politicos cant say these things staright foraward....true legend

    lankan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:10 AM

    we can not accept Murali statement on Tamils in Sri Lanka, because he does not represent North or East...

    roy Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:55 AM

    Murali were you here in 2009? or have you gone to pack your pockets...Dont say you are a Tamilan...

    NADARAJAH Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:53 AM

    Hat's off to you Murali. Well said.

    These Tamil Nadu politicians are disgusting. They want to make life miserable for the Tamils living here.

    I want the Sri Lankan IPL players to do extremely well against Chennai Super Kings perhaps a century from Mahela & good spells from you Malinga and the rest.

    Rev Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:53 AM

    True That!

    Rajeshwaran Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:51 AM

    Yes. . . He must be a TRUE brother of Sinhalese.

    Shashika Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:48 AM

    So what???

    MagodisThuma Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:48 AM

    Mr Rev...He knows it better than you.... She is a well educated lady... not a stupid politico !.

    Shan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:32 AM

    Then whose statement you accept? Jayalalitha's? May be she represent North and East? Isn't it?

    YERDUA Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:27 AM

    This is how the educated masses live. Good on Murali, "first nationality then caste, creed & religion".
    Murali indeed is a statesman..

    Anoy Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:00 AM

    Proud to b an Antonian via DM Android App

    Goni Billa Wednesday, 27 March 2013 08:13 AM

    Murali you are a true son of Sri Lanka. Proud to be an Antonian. You honor our old Alma Mater.

    aq Wednesday, 27 March 2013 04:43 AM

    well said sir.

    tjee Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:00 AM

    most of those people didn't affect by anything.But v first consider murali is an indian origin. via DM Android App

    lkboy Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:47 AM

    oops, now TN racists would go mute. well said, sir!

    Rev Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:46 AM

    Murali Don't forget your wife is also from TN.....

    kay parker Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:44 AM

    NO comments

    Tamil Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:00 AM

    well said brother, let this be an example to all the others via DM Android App

    modaya Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:14 AM

    money or the dollars talk louder

    Honestian Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:13 AM

    You may be correct that we are Sri Lankanthe . But is GOSL treat the minority people equal? No freedom for even worship.

    Farhan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:07 AM

    If TN doesnt want our players.. Even our players doent want TN..

    Lal Wednesday, 27 March 2013 06:07 AM

    You see here a huge difference between remarks made by Arjuna and Murali . Basically Murali’s comments are logical and sensible whereas Arjuna’s comments are politically motivated and racially prejudiced. If you boycott IPL-6, you are actually giving in and buckling down for TN demands. I think SL players must take part in IPL-6, but avoid playing in TN for their own safety. That is the best message you can send to stupid politicians in TN.


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