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In a surprising announcement, Sri Lanka’s dynamic all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has officially retired from Test cricket. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC). Hasaranga’s retirement decision, made at the pinnacle of his white-ball cricket career, has been met with a mix of understanding and regret from cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
The SLC issued a press release confirming that they had accepted his choice to step away from Test cricket, citing his desire to focus and extend his prowess in limited-overs cricket. Hasaranga made his Test debut for Sri Lanka in December 2020 and went on to represent his nation in four Test matches. His final appearance in the longest format came in August 2021, signifying the end of his short-lived yet impactful journey in the traditional format.
Ashley De Silva, the CEO of the SLC, expressed the organization’s support for Hasaranga’s decision. In an official statement, he said “We respect Hasaranga’s choice to retire from Test cricket. While his departure from the Test arena is saddening, we are confident that he will continue to be a vital asset to our white-ball cricket program.”
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A recognizable face in franchise league cricket
Throughout his first-class career, Hasaranga showcased his diverse skills on the cricket field. He participated in 44 first-class games, impressively collecting 102 wickets. Additionally, he etched his name in the annals of cricketing history with three first-class centuries and 19 half-centuries, showcasing his batting prowess.
Although, Hasaranga’s impact is particularly felt in limited-overs cricket, where he has cemented his position as a key member of Sri Lanka’s white-ball setup. He boasts an impressive record of 48 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 58 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for his nation.
Beyond international cricket, Hasaranga has become a recognizable face in various franchise leagues across the world. He has made significant contributions to leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and International Lanka Premier League (ILT20). Presently, the leggie is captaining B-Love Kandy in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) season.
