The Muralitharan controversy refuses to die down

Mahinda Rajapakse spoke after ICC president Ehsan Mani urged high-profile politicians not to become involved in controversial cricketing debates.

"As prime minister it's my duty to look after Muralitharan," said Rajapakse.

The International Cricket Council ruled that the doosra was illegal following biomechanical tests.

Australian prime minister and cricket fan John Howard became embroiled in the controversy after he was quoted querying the spinner's action.

It prompted Muralitharan to suggest that he might not tour to Australia in July as a retaliatory gesture.

It will be a big struggle trying to contain the strong Australian batting lineup without Murali Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu

Rajapakse said he would meet lawyers on Thursday to discuss challenging the ICC in court over its decision to ban Muralitharan's doosra.

He was reported to the ICC by match umpire Chris Broad at the end of Australia's tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year after claiming 28 wickets in three Tests.

Suggestions that Muralitharan may not tour Australia next month has unnerved Sri Lankan cricket.

"It will be a big struggle trying to contain the strong Australian batting lineup without him," Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu was quoted as saying by the state-run Daily News on Wednesday.

Muralitharan, 32, became the top wicket taker in test cricket earlier in May when he overtook retired West Indian Courtney Walsh's world record of 519 test wickets.

Sri Lanka will tour Australia from 24 June to 13 July for two tests at the northern cities of Darwin and Cairns.