Angelo Mathews follows Virat Kohli to announce retirement
Published - 23 May 2025, 02:02 PM | Updated - 23 May 2025, 03:27 PM
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Former Sri Lanka captain and seasoned all-rounder Angelo Mathews announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, May 23, in a heartfelt post on social media. However, Mathews said that he will continue playing white-ball cricket for Sri Lanka.
Angelo Mathews has confirmed that Sri Lanka’s first Test against Bangladesh in Galle will be his last appearance in whites. The Islanders are all set to host the Tigers in a two-match Test series next month, starting on June 17 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket, to play last match in Galle
Taking to his social media handle, Angelo Mathews stated, “My dear friends and family, with a grateful heart and unforgettable memories. It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket! The first test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country.”
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) May 23, 2025
Mathews has confirmed that he is retiring from Test cricket but will still be available for white-ball matches. The former Sri Lankan skipper has made it clear that he is ready to represent his country in ODIs and T20Is whenever the team needs him.
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He added, “Whilst I bid adieu to the test format, as discussed with selectors, I will remain available for selection for the white ball formats, if and when my country needs me.”
Angelo Mathews' Test journey in numbers
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan all-rounder had made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2009 and went on to represent his country in 118 Tests so far. The right-handed batter has scored 8167 runs with the help of 16 hundreds and 45 fifties in the traditional format of the game. The pacer has also taken 33 wickets in the format.
The 37-year-old cricketer is also Sri Lanka's third most successful Test captain, leading the side to 13 wins in 34 matches between 2013 and 2017. Mathews said that playing cricket for Sri Lanka over the past 17 years has been his greatest pride.
He was also grateful for everything cricket has given him and thanked the fans who supported him through all the highs and lows of his journey.
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Mathews added, “Nothing can match that feeling of patriotism and servitude when one dons the national jersey. I have given my everything to cricket, and cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person that I am today.”
It is the best time to make way for a younger player: Angelo Mathews
Furthermore, the Sri Lankan all-rounder said that it’s the right time to step aside and let a younger player shine in Test cricket. He praised the current Sri Lankan team’s talent and potential and thanked God, his family, and close friends for their support throughout his journey.
He also expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket, his coaches, and his management team for their support right throughout his career and for their dedication and hard work over the years.
Mathews signed off by saying, “I believe this test team is a talented side with many future and present greats playing the game. Now seems like the best time to make way for a younger player to take the mantle to shine for our nation. A chapter ends, but the love for the game will always remain.”
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