After an illustrious 12-year career, Sri Lanka’s veteran batsman, Lahiru Thirimanne, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The 33-year-old cricketer, who made his debut in 2010, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the sport. Throughout his career, Thirimanne represented Sri Lanka in 44 Test matches, 127 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 26 T20 Internationals.
Notably, Thirimanne played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s success in the ICC T20 World Cup held in 2014, where the team emerged victorious. He was also part of the squad for a couple of ODI World Cups, and on five occasions, he had the honor of leading the team in ODIs.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Thirimanne expressed his gratitude and emotions about the decision to retire, saying, “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.”
While he did not disclose all the reasons behind his retirement, Thirimanne acknowledged that it was a difficult but considered choice. He took the opportunity to express his thanks to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) members, coaches, teammates, physios, trainers, and analysts for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout his journey.
Thirimanne’s final international appearance for Sri Lanka was in March 2022, during a Test match against India in Bengaluru. Throughout his prime, he was regarded as one of the most prolific batters in the Sri Lankan team, especially in the 50-over format. With 3,194 runs in 106 innings at an average of 34.71, including four centuries and 24 half-centuries, he leaves a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
Taking to Instagram, Thirimanne expressed his gratitude once again, writing, “Absolute honor to have the opportunity to represent the country. Thanks a lot for the 13 years of amazing memories and well wishes throughout my journey. See you on the other side.”
As Thirimanne bids farewell to international cricket, cricket enthusiasts and his fans worldwide celebrate his accomplishments and wish him the best for the next chapter in his life. His dedication and contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
