Denying certain media reports, Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara today said he was never approached to support the election campaign of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

It was reported in some quarters of the media that Sangakkara was offered a large sum of money to appear for an advertisement supporting President Rajapaksa. The reports also stated that Sangakkara politely turned down the offer , saying he did not want to get involved in politics.

However, posting a status update on his official Facebook page, Sangakkara said the story was completely baseless and he was never approached by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also said he was saddened by the false media reports.

“I was very surprised and disappointed to hear of a story being circulated regarding His Excellency the President offering me money to support his election campaign. I would like to categorically confirm that at no time whatsoever have I been asked by the President in any manner to be a part of his political campaign,” Sangakkara said in his message.

“The allegation being circulated on social media claiming that I have been offered a financial incentive to support his election campaign is also completely untrue. These are just false stories concocted with malicious intent that are trying to use and abuse my name and I would like to request everyone to ignore them,” the Sri Lankan Cricketer also added.

Sangakkara is presently in New Zealand, taking part in the test and ODI series against New Zealand, ahead of the ICC World Cup.