GPL: No ambition of turning pro in future, says Mahela

Sri Lankan cricket legend and owner of Colombo 6's franchise in the Golf Premier League, Mahela Jayawardene has no ambition of turning pro in the future, but would not mind getting a tip or two from established golfers such as Darren Clarke and Angel Cabrera.

Jayawardene was present on the occasion of the launch of the GPL at Aamby Valley City Golf Course amid much fanfare in Aamby Valley City, Pune, on Thursday.

"No, not at all...golf is just a leisure activity for me, I enjoy walking through the greens," Jayawardene said when asked golf is going to be his calling after retirement from cricket.

"Darren Clarke and Michael Cabrera are really established names. (I hope to) get a few tips from them (during the tournament)," said the Lankan run-machine, whose favourite golfer is Tiger Woods.

The cricketer, who has not yet "thought about" retirement, said he has always been fascinated by golf.

"It's been six to seven years. I have been fascinated by golf. I try to improve my game whenever I play. It was a nice opportunity for me to get a team for Sri Lanka and Colombo. I hope it will develop the game back in our country," he said.

The prolific batsman has amassed over 10,000 runs in both Tests and One-day international cricket in a glorious career spanning over 13 years.

Photograph: Tom Shaw/Getty Images