The attempt is reportedly made over Sangakkara's criticisms of Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) conduct. Doubts on whether it was Sangakkara who had revealed about the pressures exerted to appear for a election campaign has also led to this, reports add.

A SLC bigwig had reportedly tasked journalists of a website and several newspapers to publish articles citing that Sangakkara was to enter politics.

Meanwhile, rumours also say that Sangakkara and Mahela were pressurised not announce their retirement until the Presidential election was over.

In addition, reports say that senior players of the Sri Lanka cricket team are deeply dejected over the present government due to the irregularities taking place at the SLC.