By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sinhala service

The team manager does not deny that there have been difference of opinion in the team

Anura Tennakoon, the manager of the team, told BBC Sandeshaya from Guyana that he had not been informed of any such decision.

"But I sincerely hope he stays. He is a very special captain as well as a batsman and the country needs his service," the team manager said.

There have been media reports that skipper Sangakkara has vehemently opposed the selection of parliamentarian Sanath Jayasuriya despite his failing to perform in the recently concluded IPL and the domestic season.

It is the first time in the history of cricket that an MP has played international cricket.

Sri Lanka progressed to the second round of the tournament, courtesy of a 14-run victory over Zimbabwe via Duckworth Lewis, and will take on the West Indies on Friday. But only former captain Mahela Jayawardene performed well in both matches while many other senior players failed to make an impact.

Murali's replacement

Other players will need to perform if the team to progress well in the Super Eight round, says the manager.

	Team manager hopes Murali would recover for the rest of the tournament

"Other players like Sangakkara, Dilshan, Sanath of course hasn't had an opportunity as he had batted down the order, most of the batsmen haven't hit the real form. Hopefully, at the practise sessions the batsemn who are still to make runs will find their form,"he said.

The selectors have come under fire from media over the non selection of Jeevantha Kulathunga, Sri Lankas Player of the Year who has been fine form especially in the shortest form of the game. Veteran opening bowler Chaminda Vaas has also performed well in the IPL.

Mr. Tennakoon did not deny that there have been rifts in the team. He defended the selection of veteran all-rounder Jayasuriya, to "balance the team."

"As with any other group of individuals, there have been differences of opinion but as far as I can see the team is very united to play for the country."

Sri Lanka Cricket on Monday said the top spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was out of the tournament due to an injury picked up in the preliminary round match defeat to New Zealand.

But the manager says the spinner is to remain with Sri Lanka World Twenty20 squad after making "significant progress" in recuperating from a groin injury.

"We hope to recall Thilan Thushara Mirando as the replacement for Murali if need but we pretty much hope that Murali will recover and be able to play in the future matches, he told BBCSinhala.com."