Sri Lanka suffered a major blow ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 as their star batter Lahiru Thirimanne has announced retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
On Saturday, the 33-year-old released an official statement in which he revealed the reason behind the decision.
“It has been an absolute honour to represent my country for the 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 immediate effect," Thirimanne 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,” he added.
Thirimanne also extended his thanks to Sri Lanka Cricket for the support and ecouragement.
“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, and 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,” he concluded.
Thirimanne made his ODI debut against India in 2010 and played his last match in the Test series against the Men in Blue in 2022.
The star Sri Lankan batter scored 2088 runs in 44 Tests riding on 3 centuries and 10 fifties. He also has 3164 ODI runs in 127 matches under his belt in which he belted four tons and 21 half centuries. The southpaw played some great knocks for the team and help them register some famous wins. He was the key man behind his side lifting the T20 World Cup 2014.
Notably, the marquee Asia Cup 2023 is slated to kick off from August 30 where six teams- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, UAE and Nepal will battle with each other for the coveted title.
Pakistan and Nepal will lock horns with each other in the Asia Cup 2023's campaign opener on August 30 in Multan. Up next, Bangladesh will be up against Sri Lanka in Kandy on August 31 and then comes the most awaited battle, which will see the arch-rivals India and Pakistan battling out with each other on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Here's how the Asia Cup 2023 schedule looks like:
Aug 30 Pak vs Nep - Multan, Pakistan
Aug 31 Ban vs SL - Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sept 2 Ind vs Pak - Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sept 3 Ban vs AFG - Lahore, Pakistan
Sept 4 Ind vs Nep - Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sept 5 SL vs AFG - Lahore, Pakistan
SUPER 4s
Sept 6 A1 Vs B2 - Lahore, Pakistan
Sept 9 B1 vs B2 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sept 10 A1 vs A2 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sept 12 A2 vs B1 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sept 14 A1 vs B1 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sept 15 A2 vs B2 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sept 17 Final - Colombo, Sri Lanka
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