Times Now

NEW DELHI: Former Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga took on former Indian cricket great Bishan Singh Bedi over his allegedly derogatory comments on Muttiah Muralitharan last week and compared him to a dog. What started as a usual 'Bedi outburst' against Sri Lankan spinner Muthiah Muralitharan has now turned into a major controversy with former Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga unleashing an ugly war of words.

Speaking exclusively to Times Now , Ranatunga lashed out at former Indian captain Bishen Singh Bedi and compared him to a dog saying that when a dog bites you, you don't bite the dog. The whole controversy surfaced when Bedi took a swipe at Murali calling him the best shot-putter in history. He went on to accuse Murali of killing the game. Bedi also said that even if Murali takes 1000 wickets, he would count them as run-outs. Bedi has been the biggest critic of Muralitharan and has time and again referred to him as a 'chucker'.

The controversy has now deepened with former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga coming out in support of Muralitharan. Ever since the controversy emanated, Ranatunga has been the biggest supporter of the off-spinner.

Bishan Singh Bedi has captained India in 22 Test matches. He has always been embroiled in controversies for his forthright fearless speech. He is known to not take 'chucking' lightly, which he calls "a bigger threat than bribing and betting" and has been a vehement critic of Lankan player Muralitharan. One famous controversy occurred during a match against the West Indies in 1976 when he objected to the intimidatory tactics of the West Indian fast bowlers and declared the Indian first innings closed early after two players were forced to retire hurt. Subsequently, five players were absent hurt in the second innings of the match.

Speaking to Times Now , Arjun Ranatunga dismissed Bedi as a publicity hound. He also said that Muralitharan should not be worried about an Old Man whose life is ending. Muralitharan is reportedly suing Bedi and demanding a compensation of $6.7 mn for the disparaging comments that were made against him.