Sri Lanka batsman Lahiru Thirimanne announces retirement from international cricket

Lahiru Thirimanne, who made his Sri Lanka debut in 2010, represented the country in 197 international games.

On Saturday, 22nd July, 2023, Sri Lankan batsman Lahiru Thirimanne called his time on his international cricket career. Lahiru Thirimanne had represented Sri Lanka in all three formats and was one of the key players in Sri Lanka's 2014 T20 World Cup victory. He notched up 71 runs from his three innings with a strike rate close to 111. Sri Lanka defeated India to lift the trophy in 2014.

In his official statement, Lahiru Thirimanne said that he is announcing his retirement with a lot of mixed feelings. "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."

Lahiru Thirimanne, however, did not mention the reason for his retirement but mentioned that it was "many unexpected reasons".

“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."

Thirimanne did not feature in white-ball format since 2019 but continued to play in the longest format of the game. In Tests, he has scored 2088 runs.

I am forever grateful to you: Thirimanne in his statement

Lahiru Thirimanne went on to thank his fans, supporters and teammates for their support and said that he is grateful for every one. “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.

Lahiru Thirumanne represented Sri Lanka in 44 Tests, 127 ODIs, and 26 T20Is. His last game for the country came in 2022 against India in Bengaluru. He has scored more than 5000 international runs across all three formats. He has also scored seven international hundreds and 31 half-centuries.

Thirimanne was in excellent form in 2021/22. He registered four fifties ad two centuries in 11 innings during that time. He opted out of the West Indies series in 2021/22 due to the birth of his second child. After that series, he returned to Sri Lanka's tour of India. However, he had a horrid run in the series. In four innings, he managed only 25 runs with the best of 17. He averaged 6.25 in the series. After that series, he did not feature in any of the international matches but continued to play domestic cricket.