Cricketing legends from around the world are currently battling each other in the ongoing Road Safety World Series in India. The event was organized by the Road Safety Cell of Maharashtra to create awareness in the minds of the public.
Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Brett Lee, Jonty Rhodes, Tilakaratne Dilshan and many more have taken the part in the tournament. But there has been controversy regarding the series too. Before the starting of the series, a lot of players did not confirm their availability for the tournament while others said no to it.
One of the legends who said no to the series was none other than former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene. There were reports that Jayawardene, who is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of this generation, was going to be a part of Sri Lanka Legends alongside Marvan Atapattu, Chaminda Vaas, and Muttiah Muralitharan. But later, when the squad was announced, his name was nowhere to be seen.
One of the ardent fans of Sri Lankan cricket and Jayawardene expressed his disappointment over the news and took to Twitter for calling out the former skipper to give an explanation.
The former cricketer was quick to respond and gave a befitting reply to the fan who was questioning his patriotism. Taking it to Twitter, the right-hand batsman explained that the ongoing series is just an “exhibition tournament” and not an “international” one. He further stated that he had some “personal” commitments that he needed to fulfil at that time.
The former skipper concluded by saying his explanation should put an end to all the allegations.
“This is an exhibition tournament to promote road safety in india.. not an international tournament and people are getting paid to play in this. I personally had other commitments to my family during this period. I hope this will clear whatever misguided information Being posted,” Jayawardene tweeted.
This is a exhibition tournament to promote road safety in india.. not a international tournament and people are getting paid to play in this.. I personally had other commitments to my family during this period. I hope this will clear what ever misguided information Being posted. https://t.co/mF3rekZxDQ
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) March 9, 2020
Mahela Jayawardene played 149 Tests for the Island Nation and accumulated more than 11,800 runs at an average of 49.85. He has 50 half-centuries and 34 centuries to his name in red-ball cricket. On the other hand, he is one of the few international cricketers to play more than 400 ODIs during his career, accumulating 12,650 runs with 77 half-centuries and 19 centuries.
As far as the ongoing series is concerned, India Legends are top of the table with 8 points while South Africa Legends and Sri Lanka Legends have 4 points each. Australia Legends and West Indies Legends have not won a single game.
