A controversial priest is behind the early retirement of cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksha from international cricket, a source familiar with the matter said.

A number of cricketers and administrators are ardent followers of the 'church' operated by the priest who calls himself a "prophet".

It is reported that the prophet, who also comes from a sports background, serves as a personal advisor to these cricketers.

Sources familiar with the matter said the priest had influenced the cricketer's decision to retire from international cricket.

Rajapaksha, a promising middle-order batsman, waited for 10 years to secure a place in the national team. He has only played 5 ODI matches thus far. He is set to play T20 leagues in other countries upon his retirement from international cricket.