Sri Lanka’s Kulasekara announces retirement

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara yesterday announced that he will retire from international cricket with immediate effect.

During a press conference held at the Colts Cricket Club in Colombo, Kulasekara, 37, has said that he is grateful to his former team-mate Lasith Malinga for making a request to Sri Lanka Cricket, asking for one more chance to play together during the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh.

However, Kulasekara, the former No.1 ODI-ranked bowler, will finish as Sri Lanka’s fifth-highest ODI wicket-taker with 199 wickets in 184 matches, failed to make it to the 16-member squad which SLC announced yesterday.

“I also made a request to the SLC, asking them to give me the opportunity to play one more match, but there was no positive response from that end,” Kulasekara said yesterday.

“I don’t have any regrets with regard to my retirement. I gave my best for the team during my period and I’m happy for that,” he added.

The veteran paceman who was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, made his ODI debut in 2003 against England and posted his best ODI figures of 5 for 22 against Australia at the Gabba in January 2013.

He also played 21 Tests, claiming 48 wickets, and took 66 scalps in 58 T20Is.

His retirement comes a day after Malinga announced his decision to retire from ODIs after the first match against Bangladesh which will be played tomorrow.

“I played with Malinga for more than 10 years. He is an outstanding player. Friday’s match is his last ODI. I request everyone to come to R Premadasa Stadium as an honour for malinga who has done so much for the country over the years. I will also be there to wish him best of luck,” Kulasekara said.

Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Harin Fernando revealed yesterday in a press conference that there will be a felicitation ceremony for Nuwan Kulasekara at the end of the third and final ODI against the touring Bangladeshis.