Mahela refutes allegations of divulging T20 retirement

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Mahela refutes allegations of divulging T20 retirement​

Star Sri Lankan batsman and former captain Mahela Jayawardene has dismissed allegations against made him made by a Sri Lankan publication that he chose to announce his Twenty20 international retirement plans to an Indian newspaper as it would be more 'financially rewarding'.

An article, which appeared in Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror newspaper under the headline 'Sanga, Mahela betrayal shocks SLC', suggested that Jayawardene did not announce his retirement plans to their publication, when they had interviewed him just days prior to the eventual announcement.

According to a source, the newspaper also alleged that the specialist batsman chose to announce his T20I retirement plans to an Indian publication because it was 'perhaps a more financially rewarding option' for him.

However, Jayawardene has dismissed the allegations, saying that although he spoke to the newspaper before the publication of the article, he did not choose to divulge his retirement news to the public as the timing was not right, adding that he had no obligation towards the newspaper in revealing it to them.

Jayawardene further stated that he always intended on retiring from T20Is in an informal manner and denied the allegations that he received any 'financial reward' with regards to this announcement from 'any party whatsoever'.

Jayawardene also said that at all times, he has represented Sri Lanka proudly with the best interests of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) at heart and will continue to do so at the T20 World Cup and also as long as he plays national cricket in both ODI and Test formats.

Jayawardene is currently in Bangladesh with the Sri Lankan team taking part in the ICC World T20 tournament, the report added.

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