Samaraweera ends international career

6 March 2013 07:41 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former national cricketer Thilan Samaraweera said that he had rejected a request made by the national selectors to continue playing for the Test team, instead opting for retirement as he had planned.

In a meeting with the committee, led by Sanath Jayasuriya, last morning, Samaraweera was asked to prolong his career by signing a new contract, but on the condition that he sits out the Test series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, and return to the team for December’s series against Pakistan.

However Samaraweera felt that this was against his interests saying, “Ten months is a long time and it will not be easy. So I decided to stick by my original decision.”

Samaraweera, well known for his performances in the Test Matches, said that playing a Test match is the best way to learn cricket.

“Patience, courage and the mentality of a player improves playing Test cricket. For a beginner Test matches are the best,” he said.

Thilan Samaraweera began his cricket career at Ashoka Vidyalaya and moved to Ananda College. He played for the Colts Cricket Club before switching to the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).

“I started my career 12 years ago and I got my Test debut in 1998. I played under a lot of captains and trained under several international coaches,” he said.
Responding to the questions raised by journalists he said that he never received a salary of Rs. 4 million a month, like some other cricketers were reported to be getting.

“I have never got so much money as a salary. I think a wrong impression had been made to the public. Players play for the country and not for the money.
There were few discussions with the board regarding the new contract. Players didn’t ask for anything new out of this contract, and the clauses were the same as what has been signed since 2009,” Mr. Samaraweera said.

He also admitted that there is a gap of communication between the two parties and said he wishes the gap was bridged more positively.

Responding to the media when asked if he will ever change the decision and will come back to the play as certain players did, he said this was a one-time decision and he would never come back again.

“I’m 100% sure that I won’t change my decision under any circumstances” he said. (Shehan Daniel and Lahiru Pothmulla) (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana)

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Comments - 18

Labby Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:08 AM

A man who played the gentleman's game as a gentleman should. Thank you Thilan, we wish you well.

Rohan Thursday, 07 March 2013 02:15 PM

The board of selectors always make mistakes and nothing to comment . Wish you all the best Thilan.

Dolwatta Thursday, 07 March 2013 08:14 AM

Great Cricketer. Even during school days. Had a good start to this career, but then started ups and downs. Two back to back double centuries in Pakistan in two matches, which included the fateful match where the team was under terrorist attack. SL Cricket fans gonna miss him badly. ;-(

clueless Thursday, 07 March 2013 07:46 AM

good cricketer was unlucky in Aus. play big bash ,ipl and earn some money

Anjana Gunatillake Thursday, 07 March 2013 07:28 AM

He is Solid in the Middle..and solid in his Decision making too.
Every one was aware that this is coming but why didnt he got a one last farewell test..specially after naming him for the replacement of Mahela..SLC should have given this opportunity to him to say good bye in style...

See from all angles Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:29 AM

Good Decesion due to unfair conditions , I hope Thilan could earn by playing othe part of cricket. I hope all need to earn to live . It is better to pay for crickters than other taking their hard earned money.

kuriosity Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:25 AM

Thank you sir for entertaining us. i totally agree with your decission. You should be treated better

Kamal Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:18 AM

I never thought he’s such a gentlemen. All the very best to you sir.

JJ Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:11 AM

and you were the architect of famous and sole win in a test in south africa

shano Thursday, 07 March 2013 12:00 AM

a great well in form player he was plus the ideal man to captain the side,politics ruined it. via DM Android App

chamin Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:04 AM

great player. he deserved gud farewell

Burul Thursday, 07 March 2013 05:02 AM

A true gentleman. What he says is right and he knew how to say it, unlike Ma-linga !

jinalal Thursday, 07 March 2013 04:59 AM

All the best .Thanks for your contribution in Sri Lanka cricket.The board of selectors have done a mistake.They have taken Bangladesh very soft.We will see what will happen.

Anderezja Thursday, 07 March 2013 04:55 AM

Well done Thilan. Makes no sense to me to both, get in youngsters against Ban and Zim and keep them out during the Pak tests as well as keep you on hold till Dec till the youngsters are dipped in and then out.

Ashraff Nazim Thursday, 07 March 2013 04:43 AM

He is our Mr Wall. We will miss him> good luck to you thilan>

aj Thursday, 07 March 2013 04:37 AM

salute you sir..........for sticking to your orginal Decision ....
Great cricketer................

Srilankan! Thursday, 07 March 2013 12:00 AM

The middle wall of the Sri Lankan cricket team departs! Wish you all the best in future and thank you for your support for the team! via DM Android App

amja077 Thursday, 07 March 2013 12:00 AM

u r simply da best thilan via DM Android App

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Samaraweera ends international career

Comments - 18

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