Sri Lanka‘s batting great Kumar Sangakkara clarified he has no intention of entering politics after local media reported he was eyeing next year’s Presidential elections.

Sangakkara’s made the statement after media compared him to former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan who is set to take oath as his country’s next Prime Minister on Saturday.

“I would like to put to rest speculation and rumour once and for all, confirming that I do not harbour any ambitions for political office,” the 40-year-old Sangakkara said in a statement.

“I never have, and, with enormous certainty, I can say I never will.”

Sri Lanka’s ruling coalition and the main opposition are yet to name their candidates for next year’s election.

Many cricket legends in the country have moved into politics. World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga is a minister in the current government, while former captain Sanath Jayasuriya became a deputy minister after he retired from the game.