Bedi points finger at ICC

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Bedi is a long-time critic of Muralitharan and has a history of undermining his achievements the latest of which came last week when he compared him to a 'shot putter', prompting Muralitharan to demand monetary damages for the derogatory remarks.

Bedi is ready to face Muralitharan in a courtroom legal battle, and has now taken aim at the ICC for allowing the Sri Lankan to continue with his controversial bowling action, telling the Times of India: "It's not poor Murali's fault. My grouse is against the ICC, which may yet rue this decision."

He added: "Cricket has been a part of my existence for as long as I can remember and I can't bear to see the spirit of the game being flouted."

Muralitharan has reportedly sought compensation amounting to £3.4million from Bedi and threatened to file a defamation suit if the demand is not met.

Muralitharan's manager Kushil Gunasekera said lawyers gave Bedi 14 days to respond.

The 60-year-old Bedi, who took 266 wickets in 67 Tests, defended his right to speak out, saying: "I am a free man and I have a right to express my opinion. I haven't said anything new. Everyone knows for years my views on the matter."

He added: "The most worrying thing is that young boys are trying to emulate him. Murali's success has prompted kids from Sri Lanka to Maharashtra to Gujarat [states in India] to emulate his action.

"Can that be a good thing for cricket?"

Muralitharan is the second highest Test wicket-taker in the history of the game behind Shane Warne.