In a heartfelt announcement on his official Facebook page, Sri Lanka’s top-order batter, Lahiru Thirimanne, announced his retirement from international cricket. The decision marks the end of a remarkable 13-year career, during which Thirimanne etched his name in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket history. With 44 Test matches, 127 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 26 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) under his belt, the 33-year-old cricketer left a lasting impact on the sport.
Reflecting on his journey, Thirimanne expressed gratitude to all those who supported and encouraged him throughout his career. “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,” he wrote in his farewell post.
“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. I take this opportunity to thank the SLC members, my coaches, teammates, physios, trainers and analysts for their support and encouragement,” he added.
Thirimanne’s international debut came in an ODI game during the triangular series fixture against India in Mirpur. He swiftly rose to prominence and showcased his potential with a century against Australia in Adelaide in 2013. The following year, 2014, proved to be even more spectacular for the talented batter, as he topped the batting charts in Sri Lanka’s triumphant Asia Cup campaign, scoring two centuries. He was also a vital part of the T20I squad that secured victory in the T20 World Cup.
During his international career, Thirimanne reached the pinnacle of his prowess in the 50-over format in 2015 when he amassed a total of 861 runs, including a century in the World Cup. In Test cricket, he recorded three centuries, with his final one being achieved in a victory against Bangladesh in Pallekele in 2021. His last appearance in the Test format took place in Bengaluru against India last year.
Thirimanne’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket have been commendable, and he leaves the field with an impressive record of 2088 runs in Tests, 3194 runs in ODIs, and 291 runs in T20Is. His presence on the pitch will undoubtedly be missed by fans and teammates alike.
