News

Lahiru Thirimanne retires from international cricket with immediate effect

Published

3 years ago

July 22, 2023

Editor

Former Sri Lanka opening batter Lahiru Thirimanne has annouced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

Thirimanne took to facebook to announce his retirement,

“It has been an absolute honour to represent my country for 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 an immediate effect”, Thirimanne wrote in his official Facebook page.

“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 further added.

“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, journalists for all the love, support and motivation you have given me over these years. I am forever grateful to you all”, he said.

“Thank you to all of you who have supported me behind the scenes throughout my career”.

An unflappable young talent with a killer cover drive, Lahiru Thirimanne came to the international landscape highly regarded by Sri Lanka’s cricket elite, with Aravinda de Silva most notably among his champions. An opener by reputation, Thirimanne made his debut in early 2010 and earnt sporadic places in the national side over the next two years, but it was not until he was moved to the middle order in 2012 that he unearthed the consistency that would make him a regular at the top level.

A measured batsman, if at times a limited one, Thirimanne has been a contrasting ally for Sri Lanka’s middle-order dashers in ODI cricket, striking particularly memorable partnerships with Angelo Mathews to lift Sri Lanka out of trouble.

Thirimanne has played 42 Tests in a decade-long international career. He has scored 3 centuries and 10 half centuries to his name.

He has also scored 4 centuries in his 127 appearances in the ODI format and interestingly all against the great Aussies.

Thirimanne who was compared to Mahela Jayawardena in his early days but due to certain issues he was in an out from the team though he was a regular member in the test side.

For a man who has spent pretty much every moment of his time in Sri Lankan whites under the dual weights of pressure and expectation, we at Sri Lanka sports tv congratulate the stylish left hander a bright future.

Cricket

ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

Cricket

LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

Cricket

RCB Bring in Gleeson After Thushara Exit; CSK Add Kuldip as Injury Cover

Published

4 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara ahead of the IPL 2026 Knockouts.

Thushara was unable to join the Bengaluru franchise after failing to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board reportedly withheld approval because the pacer did not meet the required fitness benchmarks set by the national setup.

RCB have signed Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The 38-year-old seamer brings previous IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. Gleeson featured in two matches for Chennai in 2024 and made a single appearance for Mumbai in the 2025 campaign. He has also represented England in nine T20 Internationals.

Thushara, who was bought by RCB for the same amount in 2025, played one game during the franchise’s championship-winning run last season. Despite being retained for IPL 2026, his participation was blocked after the NOC issue emerged.

The Sri Lankan quick had initially taken legal action against the cricket board regarding the matter, but later withdrew the case and issued a written apology. Court documents reportedly indicated that Thushara had considered stepping away from international cricket, although no final decision on his future has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have announced Indian pacer Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel’s season was cut short after he suffered a right quadricep injury during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Before the setback, he had claimed two wickets in five appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.

Kuldip, a right-arm pacer, previously represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, making three appearances across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Chennai have secured his services for INR 30 lakh.

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