Cricket icon Brian Lara, who found himself at the centre of political controversy yesterday, took the unusual step of issuing a statement, making it pellucidly clear he was a non-political, non-partisan citizen.

The former Tele­communi­cations Services of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (TSTT) brand ambassador said: “This conversation needs to shift. I am not a political figure.

“I have dedicated my life to serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago—first as a sportsman, and since my retirement, through meaningful contributions to the development of sport, youth, and tourism in our beloved country.