Kumar Sangakkara denies pledging support for any political parties

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara took a jibe on the social media memes claiming his support for certain political parties in the poll-bound country. Sangakkara took to Twitter to clarify his support regarding any political party in the upcoming presidential elections and said that if social media memes are to be believed, he has come out in support of every political party and candidate.

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Name used to influence elections

This is not the first time when Sagakkara’a name has been used on social media to influence elections. Last year, during local elections, Sangakkara said he was disappointed to learn that his comment on the local elections was being used by “unscrupulous elements” to establish that he supports a certain political party.

When Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, also a former cricketer, was being sworn in for the highest post, speculations were rife that Kumar Sangakkara could be the next presidential candidate for Sri Lanka. He denied the rumours in a Facebook post and said that he will never harbour any ambitions for political office.

“I would like to put to rest speculation and rumour once and for all, confirming that I do not harbour any ambitions for political office. I never have, and, with enormous certainty, I can say I never will,” said Sangakkara. 

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Sri Lankan cricketers in politics

World cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga is a Cabinet Minister in the current government while former skipper Sanath Jayasuriya served as a Deputy Minister. Sangakkara, who became the first non-British person to take charge as the President of the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has been vocal on social issues which often amplifies the rumours of his political ambition.

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