Sri Lanka’s veteran batter, Lahiru Thirimanne, has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The 33-year-old had last played for Sri Lanka in March 2022, and his decision comes as he fell down the pecking order in the national team.
Thirimanne made his international debut in 2010 and went on to represent Sri Lanka in 44 Tests, 127 ODIs, and 26 T20Is. Despite not revealing the exact reasons behind his retirement decision, he expressed gratitude towards his former teammates and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in a Facebook post.
In his Facebook post, Thirimanne wrote, As a player, I have given my best and tried my utmost to respect the game and fulfill my duties honestly and ethically to my motherland. It was a difficult decision for me, but I cannot disclose the unexpected reasons that led me to make this decision, whether willingly or unwillingly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the SLC members, my coaches, teammates, physios, trainers, and analysts for their support and encouragement.
Thirimanne was part of the Sri Lankan team that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014. He also represented his country in two other World Cups and captained the team in five ODI matches. Despite his contributions, Thirimanne struggled to maintain his place in the red-ball team, with his last international appearance resulting in just eight runs across two innings during the Sri Lanka tour of India in March 2022.
Expressing his gratitude to his fans on Instagram, Thirimanne said, It is an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to represent the country. Thank you for the 13 years of amazing memories and well wishes throughout my journey. See you on the other side.
Lahiru Thirimanne’s retirement marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket, as they bid farewell to a dedicated and experienced batter. While his departure may leave a void in the lineup, it also provides an opportunity for emerging talents to step up and make their mark on the international stage.
The Sri Lankan cricket fraternity and fans will undoubtedly cherish the contributions that Thirimanne made to the national team. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, the cricketing world wishes him all the best for his future endeavors.
