Angelo Mathews Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a remarkable 17-year journey in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old confirmed that the upcoming Test against Bangladesh will be his final red-ball appearance for the national team.

A GRATEFUL GOODBYE TO TEST CRICKET

In a heartfelt message shared on his official social media profile, Mathews expressed his gratitude and emotions as he bid farewell to the format he cherished the most.

> “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!” he wrote.

> “The past 17 years of playing cricket for Sri Lanka have been my highest honour and pride. 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, shaping me into the person I am today.”

A STELLAR CAREER IN NUMBERS

Since making his debut in 2009, Mathews has been a pillar of strength for Sri Lanka. Over the course of 118 Test matches, he has amassed 8,167 runs at an impressive average of 44.62. His Test career includes 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries, marking him as one of the modern greats of Sri Lankan cricket.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND APPRECIATION

In his farewell note, Mathews extended his appreciation to everyone who supported him throughout his journey:

> “I stand grateful to the game and thankful to the thousands of Sri Lanka Cricket fans who have supported me through the highs and lows. I wish to thank Almighty God, my parents, my beautiful wife, my amazing children, and all my loved ones for their unwavering belief in me."

> “Special thanks to Sri Lanka Cricket and the many coaches who have guided me along the way. A chapter ends, but my love for the game will always remain.”

FAREWELL MATCH SET AGAINST BANGLADESH

Mathews will don the whites for one final time in June when Sri Lanka hosts Bangladesh for the opening match of a two-Test series. The match also marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s campaign in the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

SRI LANKA AND BANGLADESH IN WTC STANDINGS

In the previous 2023–25 WTC cycle, Sri Lanka finished sixth with five wins from 13 matches, while Bangladesh followed in seventh place with four victories in 12 games. Both teams will be looking to start fresh as they begin the new cycle.