Thisara Perera retires from International cricket

[King_Kohli]

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the retirement of Thisara Perera from International Cricket with immediate effect.

Perera, in his ‘Letter’ submitted to Sri Lanka Cricket announcing his retirement, said that he feels the time is right for him to step aside and pave the way for younger and more talented players to take on the reigns.

The former Sri Lanka ODI and T20i Captain also said that this is also the right time for him to follow on his personal goals and family life.

Perera thanked the Team Captains he has served under during his International career, teammates, both past and present, the Executive Committees of Sri Lanka Cricket, Management, and the Staff of Sri Lanka Cricket, for the support they extended to him during his career.

“I take pride in the fact that I was able to represent Sri Lanka in seven cricket world cups and be a contributing member of the 2014 T20 World Cup win against India in Bangladesh. Easily the highlight of My Life,’’ Perera mentioned in his letter.

Sri Lanka Cricket takes this opportunity to wish the former captain the very best in his future commitments and dearly value the immeasurable services rendered by him to the game.

“Thisara was a brilliant all-rounder, who has contributed immensely as a player to Sri Lanka Cricket and played a part in some of the glorious cricketing moments of the country,’ said Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, whilst paying tribute to the former Captain.

 

[Rafa]

Strange decision. Could have played this year's T20 WC.

 

[OMB]

Strange decision. Could have played this year's T20 WC.

reports say they are looking for younger players.

 

[daytrader]

He has a strike rate of 150+ in t20s! Will be missed at the T20WC

 

[daytrader]

reports say they are looking for younger players.

He's only 32! I wonder if MA has anything to do with this

 

[Justcrazy]

He is very useful and underrated all-rounder. He provides good solid depth to white ball team, poor decision by Lanka board not to talk with him and convince to play another 3 - 4 years

 

[shaz619]

Shocking retirement really, not like SL has Gary Sobers and Kallis waiting in the wings; he mentioned he wants to pursue some personal goals, perhaps Thisara has ambitions which extend beyond cricket but you would still assume he’d want to bow out after the T20 WC, then again given the current climate perhaps he has taken that into consideration to

 

[Saj]

He's making a good living from T20 leagues around the world and he probably just wants to focus on that, rather than having to play international cricket.

Guys like Perera probably make a lot more money from T20 leagues rather than international matches.

 

[Huzaifah]

One of the few players who used to always perform vs Pakistan no matter what form they're in *

 

[Tubs]

Always was a big fan of Thisara. Very sad to see him go. Would have been good for him to have one last hurrah at the WC. However, as everyone has said, he makes bank playing leagues around the world and I'm happy for him.

 

[UzmanBeast]

He's making a good living from T20 leagues around the world and he probably just wants to focus on that, rather than having to play international cricket.

Guys like Perera probably make a lot more money from T20 leagues rather than international matches.

I don't think he had a central contract either if I'm not mistaken.

Probably made more money from leagues than the national team so this decision comes as no surprise.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

He's making a good living from T20 leagues around the world and he probably just wants to focus on that, rather than having to play international cricket.

Guys like Perera probably make a lot more money from T20 leagues rather than international matches.

LoL, He pretty much said it, when he says he wants to focus on Personal goals (AkA t20 leagues) & Family life (like making money for family).

Best of Luck to him.