Sri Lanka pacer and former captain Suranga Lakmal announced his retirement from international cricket. The fast-bowler will call time on his career after the upcoming tour of India. He informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) about his decision on Wednesday (2nd February).
Suranga Lakmal made his debut for Sri Lanka in an ODI against India in Nagpur in 2009 and then later in 2010, he received his Test cap in a match against West Indies before making his T20I debut against England in 2011 in Bristol.
The right-arm pacer has been a prolific wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in ODIs and Tests. So far in his career, he has played 68 Tests and has 168 wickets to his name, which is the fourth-highest among Sri Lankan bowlers.
In 86 ODIs, Lakmal has taken 109 wickets at an economy and average of 5.46 and 32.42 respectively. He also has eight wickets in 11 T20Is. The lanky pacer also captained Sri Lanka in five Tests and won three matches.
Under him, Sri Lanka won the Test series 2-0 against South Africa at home and also went on to win a Test against West Indies at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, which helped the island nation draw the series.
In a letter submitted to SLC, Suranga Lakmal said that he’s ‘indebted’ to the board for allowing him to shape his personal life and enrich his personal development. He added that he has the utmost respect for everyone that is part of Sri Lankan cricket.
“I’m indebted to Sri Lanka Cricket for giving me this astonishing opportunity and having faith in me to bring back my motherland honor as it has been an absolute pleasure to be associated with the board that shaped my professional life and also enriched my personal development.
“I have nothing but the utmost respect for all my players, coaches, team managers, support staff, administrative staff, and all other support staff," Suranga Lakmal said.
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Talking about Lakmal’s decision, CEO of SLC, Ashley De Silva said that they wish the pacer luck for his future endeavors and are looking forward to seeing him perform during the India tour.
“We take this opportunity to wish Lakmal the very best for his future endeavors, and look forward to seeing him perform for the country during the Sri Lanka Tour of India, if the selectors consider him for the tour,” Ashley De Silva said.
De Silva said that Lakmal has been an excellent contributor to Sri Lanka Cricket and has delivered some memorable spells. He added that the pacer’s services will be remembered well.
“Lakmal has been an excellent contributor for Sri Lanka Cricket and delivered some memorable spells during his national career, and his services will be remembered well," he said.
Sri Lanka is slated to tour India later this month to play two Tests and three T20Is from February 25 to March 18.
(IANS inputs)
