Mr. Bob Woolmer and Mr. Michael Holding have written to the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, to say that their alleged comments regarding Muttiah Muralitharan's bowling action were misquoted by Wisden Cricket Asia magazine.

In a letter to ICC General Manager David Richardson, Mr. Woolmer says: "I would like to pass on my unreserved apologies to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board if I have in any way upset them… Indeed I am a great admirer of Murali's ability… Muralitharan is a unique spinner and his action and ability are and always will be of great interest to me."

Mr. Holding said that his "quotes were skillfully used by a journalist trying to create some sensationalism… helped by a just as zealous sub-editor with the headline used for the article 'Holding says Murali doubtful'."

The BCCSL is happy to hear that Mr. Woolmer and Mr. Holding did not make the comments, and trusts that a correction will be published by Wisden Cricket Asia magazine, since the comments had upset the cricket-loving public in Sri Lanka.

© BCCSL