Sachithra Senanayake Retires From International Cricket With Immediate Effect

A right-arm off-break bowler and a handy right-handed batsman, Sachithra Senanayake called curtains on his cricketing career with immediate effect. It means that the 35-year old will no longer be the part of plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia for Sri Lanka.

However, the flamboyant cricketer will continue to play domestic cricket. Senanayake stated that he is aware of not getting chances to play for Sri Lanka again, which is one of his main reasons to hang his boots from the international set-up.

I wish to thank each and everyone – Sachithra Senanayake

Senanayake made his first-class debut for the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in 2006. The tall, lanky all-rounder was included in the Sri Lankan T20I squad for the series against Australia in 2011. But he had to wait for his international debut, which came in early 2012 in an ODI against South Africa.

“I have informed Sri Lanka Cricket of my decision to retire from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. I wish to thank each and everyone who stood by me and supported me over the years,” Senanayake said in a statement.

“I will continue to play domestic cricket but I know for a fact that I will not get a chance to play for the national team in the future. So I decided to quit,” he added.

He was reported for illegal bowling action back in July 2014. Senanayake headed to Perth for remedial work on his action and was allowed to play domestic cricket in September 2014 after the SLC were satisfied.

The wily customer underwent official tests in a bid to return to international cricket and finally, he made a comeback in the ODIs against England in November 2014.

He was involved in a Mankading row against Jos Buttler in the series decider and was severely criticised by purists after he was reported for suspect bowling action for the second time.

Although his subtle variations helped him earn a place in the shorter versions, Senanayake struggled to live up to the expectations in Test cricket.

The 35-year old claimed 53 ODI wickets and 25 Twenty20 wickets during his career. Senanayake last represented Sri Lanka in a T20 game against Australia in Colombo in September 2016.

In total, he represented the nation in 49 ODIs, 24 T20Is and a lone Test match.