On Saturday, Sri Lanka player Lahiru Thirimanne announced his retirement from international cricket. In his career that lasted for 12 years, the Sri Lankan batter earned immense recognition. The left-hander’s journey in international cricket has been terrific and his contributions to the Sri Lanka team have been indispensable.
Thirimanne announced his retirement while sharing a heartfelt message on his Facebook handle where he thanked his nation for giving him all the opportunities over the years.
“It has been an absolute honour to represent my country for past few years. This game that has given me so much over the years. But with a lot of mixed feelings,I am here to announce my retirement from international cricket with an immediate effect”, he wrote.
“As a player I have given my best, I have tried my best,I have respected the game and I have done my duty honestly and ethically to my motherland.
It was a difficult decision to make, but I cannot mention here the many unexpected reasons that influenced me to take this decision willingly or unwillingly.”
“I take this opportunity to thank the SLC members,my coaches,teammates, physios, trainers and analysts for their support and encouragement. And my fans, supporters, journalists for all the love, support and motivation you have given me over these years. I am forever grateful to you all. Thank you to all of you who have supported me behind the scenes throughout my career”, Thirimanne wrote in an emotional post on his Facebook handle.
Talking about his career, the Sri Lankan batter has played 44 Test matches and scored a total of 2088 runs with an average of 26.4, including three centuries and ten half-centuries. Thirimanne also took part in 127 ODI matches for Sri Lanka where he made 3194 runs at an average of 34.7 with the help of four centuries and 21 fifties under his belt. Lahiru while playing 26 T20 Internationals, got 291 runs in his kitty, showing his versatility as a cricketer capable of excelling in all formats of the game.