The 33-year old, Udana said he was stepping aside and making way for the young players coming through the ranks.
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Sri Lanka’s bowling all-rounder Isuru Udana has announced retirement from International cricket. The 33-year-old’s decision was a surprise for the cricketing world. This call comes after featuring in the limited-overs series against India. The left-arm pacer has played 21 ODIs and 34 T20Is for Sri Lanka and scalped 18 and 27 wickets in them respectively.
Sri Lanka National Player Isuru Udana announced his retirement from National duties, with immediate effect.
“I believe the time has come for me to make way for the next generation of players,’’ said Udana. READ⬇️#ThankYouIsuruhttps://t.co/lBQVW1siFw
— Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC) July 31, 2021
His decision comes at the backdrop of conflict between the players and the cricket board of Sri Lanka and their disappointing performances in recent times. However, they clinched the T20I series win over India.
Udana made his international debut in 2009. But was in and out of the national setup throughout his career which lasted over a decade. Sri Lanka Cricket commentator Roshan Abeysinghe was among the first ones to break the news to the world with his social media post.
“Just heard that Isuru Udana has retired from international cricket. Thank you Isuru for the years of untiring service. You can surely be proud of your achievements. Happy retired life,” he tweeted.
Thank you very much ❤️. Love you all. Stay safe. #goodbye #IZY17 pic.twitter.com/4dXt72bMn0
— Isuru Udana (@IAmIsuru17) July 31, 2021
Very soon later, the Sri Lanka Cricket tweeted out, “Sri Lanka National Player Isuru Udana announced his retirement from National duties, with immediate effect.”
Udana said he was stepping aside and making way for the young players coming through. “I believe the time has come for me to make way for the next generation of players,” Udana said in a statement.
“It is with immense pride and passion, and unfathomable commitment that I have represented and served my country.”
The left-arm bowler was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in IPL 2020. He was bought for a sum of INR 50 lakhs. In the 10 matches, he took eight wickets at an average of 35.25 and an economy rate of 9.75. His international retirement implies, he could well be looking to play franchise cricket all around the world. With the IPL again going back to UAE, where IPL 2020 took place, and a few players likely to be unavailable for selection, Udana might get a call up from any of the franchises for the remaining fixtures given the nature of the pitch.
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