"I think it is the wrong decision not to tour," Warne was quoted as saying by Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper on Wednesday.

"He should keep doing what he loves doing and that's playing cricket. He has a lot of critics, particularly in Australia, but you can't afford to let the critics get to you."

The Australian leg-spinner said Muralitharan's decision was "thin-skinned" and added that he hoped the Sri Lankan had not been influenced by his controversial former captain, Arjuna Ranatunga.

"Hopefully, he has not been listening too much to Arjuna, but he's always stirring the pot," said Warne.

"I was looking forward to going head to head with Murali again. I'm really disappointed that he has decided not to come to Australia.

"It's disappointing for everyone, the players and the public. I suppose he will not tour a lot of countries now.

Warne trails Muralitharan's world record of 527 wickets by 10.

However, the 34-year-old Warne broke his hand while batting for English county side Hampshire last week and is doubtful for July's two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Darwin and Cairns.