Suranga Lakmal to retire from international cricket after India tour

Suranga Lakmal, a veteran Sri Lankan pacer, has chosen to retire from international cricket. The fast bowler's final assignment in national colours will be the February-March 2022 trip of India, which will include 2 Tests and 3 T20Is. On 2 February, this Wednesday, the 34-year-old sent a letter to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stating his intention to retire. He also expressed gratitude to the board of directors for their assistance during his career.

Suranga made his international debut in December 2009, although he didn't exactly explode onto the scene. Instead, he took some time to solidify his position on the club. The tall fast bowler isn't particularly reliant on pace, but he can swing the ball off the pitch. One of the pacer's primary characteristics has been accuracy. Lakmal used these skills to cause problems for several of the world's best hitters.

Lakmal has so far represented Sri Lanka in 68 Tests, 85 ODIs, and 11 T20Is, getting 285 wickets across formats at an average of 34.94.  He was also a member of the Sri Lankan team that won the T20 World Cup in 2014. It should be mentioned that throughout Lakmal's tenure, he was also in charge of the Test team. Meanwhile, Lakmal praised the national board for having trust in him in his resignation letter.

“I’m indebted to Sri Lanka Cricket for giving me this astonishing opportunity and having faith in me to bring back my motherland honour as it has been absolute pleasure to be associated with the board that shaped my professional life and also enriched my personal development,” said Lakmal in his letter.

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for all my players, coaches, team managers, support staff, administrative staff and all other supportive staff,” he added. 

“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,’’ Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket thanked the pacer for his contribution towards the national team.