Sri Lankan Sports Minister has rejected claims by a Pakistani Minister that India influenced Sri Lankan players not to play in Pakistan, saying there is no truth in it. Sports Minister Harin Fernando said in a message that the players decided not to play purely based on 2009 incident. He said they respected players' decision and picked those who were willing to travel. Mr. Fernando was reacting to Pak Minister Fawad Hussain claim that India played a role in Sri Lankan players decision.<br />''<br />''Earlier, 10 Sri Lankan players including veterans like Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews along with ODI and T20 captains opted out of bilateral series in Pakistan later this month. The series is scheduled to have three ODI and three T20 matches.<br />''<br />''Sri Lankan Sports Minister said that players made their decision based on 2009 incident during which Sri Lankan cricket team had come under terrorist attack. The Minister said they respected the players decision and picked those who were willing to travel. His comments came as 10 Sri Lankan players including ODI and T20 captains opted out of bilateral series in Pakistan later this month. Pakistani Minister Fawad Hussain had blamed India for decision of Sri Lankan players which Sri Lankan Minister asserted that it is not based on truth. <br />