Malinga invites his mentor for farewell match

Lasith Malinga (left) with Champaka Ramanayake

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has invited his mentor Champaka Ramanayake to witness his ‘farewell match’ – the first ODI against Bangladesh which will be played on July 26 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.  

“He has specially invited me to be at the ground,” Ramanayake said yesterday. 

The 54-year-old is a High Performance Manager for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). 

In the absence of Courtney Walsh, Ramanayake may be appointed as an Interim Coach (bowling) for the Sri Lanka tour. 

“Even if I am not joining the squad as a support staff member, I am certain to arrive in Sri Lanka on July 20,” and watch Malinga’s match,” he confirmed. 

The three ODIs’ between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on July 26, 28 and 31.