Sanga to resign from Captaincy

5 April 2011 09:43 am - 134 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara announced today that he is resigning as captain of the national team after the forthcoming series with England and Australia.

Following is the full statement released by Mr. Sangakkara to the media today.

“I would like to announce that after careful consideration I have concluded that it is in the best long-term interests of the team that I step down now as national captain so that a new leader can be properly groomed for the 2015 World Cup in Australia.

“This was a decision I made prior to the 2011 World Cup. I will be 37 by the next World Cup and I cannot therefore be sure of my place in the team. It is better that Sri Lanka is led now by a player who will be at the peak of their career during that tournament.

“It has been a true honour and a great privilege to serve my country as captain during the past two years and, although bitterly disappointed that we could not win the final, I am very proud of the performances of the team.

“I am also very grateful for the wonderful support received from Sri Lankan fans all around the world. Our supporters were a source of great inspiration before, during and after the tournament and I know all the players are extremely thankful for this.

“I met with the selectors on Monday and I explained my reasons for my decision and I assured them of my fullest support in helping our new captain settle into the leadership.

“In this regard, I have offered to continue as the Test captain for the forthcoming series with England and possibly Australia if the selectors believe this would help the new captain and aid the transition.

“I have no plans of retirement from international cricket at this stage and subject to form and fitness I would like to be considered for selection in all three formats of the game for the foreseeable future.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team-mates and the coaching staff for their hard-work and support. I would also like to thank my wife Yehali, my young twins and family for being willing to sacrifice so much to allow me to lead the team.”

Related links

Selection committee resigns
Mahela steps down as VC

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Comments - 134

prad Tuesday, 05 April 2011 09:54 AM

why sanga why?? you have done a great job so far. why quit now?

Adhil Tuesday, 05 April 2011 09:55 AM

I think theres something going on with the cricket team and politics. why spoil sri lanka cricket!

PATRIOT Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:01 AM

SANGA TELL THE TRUTH TO THE NATION....WHAT HAPPENNED TO SL TEAM DURING THE FINAL?....

K Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:02 AM

He wasn't the captain last time it was Mahela.

Dilmi Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:03 AM

I do not think this is a wise decision. He guided the team well on finals and that was a really good game. Winning and loosing is part of every game.
He is a good leader and hope the board does not accept his resignation.

Cricket lover Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:01 AM

This is not going to help sri Lankan cricket,pls re think

Yoshi Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:03 AM

Proud of u Sanaga!! Truly a gentlemen!! One of the best captains I have seen with lot of good qualities...Wish you all the best for your future...SL team needs ur guidance.. so think twice before u quit..

priyantha Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:04 AM

Don't do that,, i don't see anyone is capable to take over other than you.

Mylanka Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:02 AM

Well Said... !!! even we could not see the usual Sanga on the finals....
Anyway we love our team....!!!

david Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:03 AM

whats going on with our cricket team? please dont let us down boys!

obama laden Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:06 AM

premature decision.There is no suitable person to takeover captaincy from him.he should be remain as captain for sometime.

Game kolla Tuesday, 05 April 2011 09:53 AM

How can he be happy when mad politicos taking a lead roll in sri lanka cricket.

indike Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:07 AM

Mahela is only 33 now. Should be good for 4 years as captain. Sharper cricket tactician from the current lot of players. I´ve read & seen videos--even the past players who have played with Mahela has said he´s got a great cricket brain and he´s very open leader. Mathews is too young and has injuries. Dilshan is not known as a good leader and he was warned before for an incident--so Dilshan is no good sports ambassador. Therefore, Mahela is the man if the media can let Mahela do the job properly. There is no other person out there.

k-rox Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:08 AM

Please dont sanga... We are with u.. dun let down ur fans

MTM Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:08 AM

Sanga this is not the way to resign..... at-least try to bring our team to top in O/D ranking before you take a decision.

lankan lion Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:08 AM

Sanga.................. Please dont do so!! You have captained the team really really well. I dont think we can find another one like you to captain our team!

GanjaRabbit Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:08 AM

in 2007 it was mahela who captained the team.

Truth Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:09 AM

In 2007, it was Jayawardena who lead the team and not Sanga.. There are many oushing to make Dilshan the cpatain of our Team stressing a point that he's a south boy.

God bless our Cricket!

malkanthi Tuesday, 05 April 2011 09:59 AM

The only sport we can be proud of is being eaten by power hungry politicians!

Sam Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:11 AM

I think that it is a very wise move. It is obvious with the selection for the final. The selectors are 'thick skinned', so he has shown the way.

Facinator Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:12 AM

I'm sure it is not what Sanga would have intended to do. He has much more to offer as a captain.

Germain Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:12 AM

In 2007, Sanga was not the Captain. Mahela was the Captain.

Kish Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:00 AM

Are you joking or what....????? April fool is over Sanga.... Dont give heart attacks. You are a leader we can be proud of.

Laknath Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:00 AM

Sanga, you were the best captain we ever had....SL team needs you at this time very much...

Sudharshan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:13 AM

Come on Sanga We need you, You are the greatest ambassador of Sri Lankan Cricket No Sri Lankan will appreciate this decision

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:12 AM

Please amend the old Sports act of 1970's . Let Sportsmen run the sport and Politicians to their job. These two should not be mixed.

SP Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:02 AM

What a dissapointing news.More hurting than losing the world cup.

Dulkith Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:14 AM

Bring back sharp Mahela Jayawardena. Thanks Sanga for being a great ambassador for Sri Lanka Cricket.

Marlon Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:17 AM

Something is going on here. Don't you guys feel that. Just analyze everything from before starting the match (when selecting the team for final) and up to this Sanga's decision. This is so strange.

shamli Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:17 AM

Y Sanga... ? y this decision ..........
ur the great caption for Our Lion... so then y...

please...

James Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:18 AM

Mahela Jayawardena it is.

geetha Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:21 AM

Sanga, now you make my heart go banga.

rajash Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:21 AM

The body language of Sanga was not very good when he met MR.
Something fishy

A.J Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:22 AM

the way things are going , i think Sanath will comback as captain :)

rajeewa Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:12 AM

sanga ; this is not the correct time to leave the captaincy. be there, you did great job for the country. dont leave .we need your service for another 2 to 3 years, may be till 2015.keep head up.

Ela kolla Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:12 AM

Sanga is a Class guy and gentleman Sri lanka is not the place for you very Sad We love you all

i.am.f Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:23 AM

Sanga was the captain of Sri Lanka after 2009

anaya Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:24 AM

why ? jasuriya comming back?

Roshan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:26 AM

we did not see our usual sanga on the world cup finals, but we still love you and sure you can make it next time!

i.am.f Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:27 AM

Sanga was the captain after 2009

Bishri Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:28 AM

this is a huge loss for the country, very unlikely mahela will take up the captaincy. after that we do not have a quality product, only guy is Mathews but he is not mature enough...

malkanthi Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:28 AM

and prepare to go to welikada??

YURI Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:26 AM

There are so manythings spolied, this is one, there are more coming sit with your seat belt.

loneranger869 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:29 AM

good decision don't wait till they ask u to give up, u r a real gentleman. pls continue to play and wish you all the very best.

ind Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:27 AM

Though you made some mistakes in the final, you should be the captain for another 2-3 years time.

robinson Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:16 AM

Yes, I too agree, this is very pathetic. Only ciricket was not politicised here, and now they have done it too.

Wimal_Modawansa Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:16 AM

Will give way for MR to take over the captaincy.

ind Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:28 AM

These people are seeking something to make connection with MR with this decision. Crazy mindsets.

saman Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:30 AM

I hope there wont another Athatiya story around !

Tearing lion Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:32 AM

Yes Indeed, we too noticed this !!!!!
The ever active Sanga was not the he ususally is.
His eyes spoke of something, unusual....

Sam Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:32 AM

Sanga, pls don't resign.. u made us proud sri lankans with class.... i think you should give a statment as to what happened...

the undertaker Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:35 AM

SANGA- U DID A GREAT JOB- Y?? SO SAD TO HEAR THIS KIND OF NEWS- WE DONT HAVE MURALI NEXT MALINGA THEN YOU AFTR THAT?? WHO??

kassa Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:40 AM

That's really gentlemen decision. But I think this is not the right time, Sanga. You shown your maximum. But future will be greater than that.

robinson Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:46 AM

Yes, of course, Like other World Captains you have set and example and please don't revert it.

Muraly Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:46 AM

Good decision and right decision.

Good Luck.

uglytruth Tuesday, 05 April 2011 10:46 AM

welll..this is just a start of a storm

Sumith Chandana Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:25 AM

This is not the time Sanga, wait another two three years there is nothing wrong your captaincy.

tishan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:24 AM

Bring Sana back.He is will make a good captain.Namal is the non playing captain.

Bandara Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:24 AM

we all know what happened, Don't worry, we are with you . you are a great captain. Godd luck for the future

Amir Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:28 AM

wrong move.....just because he had a bad day doesnt mean he hould step down....its true we lost the finals......bt were in the finals....that is what important......

sinhalaya Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:31 AM

WE COULD BEAR THE WC LOSS, BUT NOT OUR GENTLEMAN CAPTAIN .THE ENTIRE COUNTRY WISH HIM WELL AND HIS YOUNG FAMILY.

DilHewagama Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:29 AM

Respect your decision! And thank you for the service!

Paul the Octopus Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:33 AM

Thanks Sanga for being a great sports ambassador for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Cricket, bring back sharp & shrewd minded Mahela Jayawardena.

Kamal Hemajith Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:33 AM

37 is not so age.so you should be the skipper for the next world cup.

MagodisThuma Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:23 AM

Yes Sanga gave up the match at the middle !?.

shehan.eranga Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:36 AM

no way!!!!!!!!!
come on sanga, you can still do alot more to the sri-lankan team, Asia cup and a lot more....
think again!!!!!!!

Cynic Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:40 AM

Why can't Ranil think like you?

MagodisThuma Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:44 AM

No... the best captain was Arjuna !.

sofina Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:46 AM

hey sanga we need u boy dont get caught to dirty politics

hethu Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:34 AM

you sound like a member of the current selection committee.

w.g.l Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:46 AM

yes SANGA you know what happen in last world cup only you know, you are real Gentleman, so what you took any decision we slut you .

UNESH Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:49 AM

very true, i've the same feeling.

asoka abeywardena Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:41 AM

@ Paul, i thought you were dead...

Vipula Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:41 AM

Right decision at the right time.Please don't wait until they ask you to give up the captaincy.

hes Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:52 AM

Broken hopes.

NHS Tuesday, 05 April 2011 11:57 AM

true gentleman, All the best for your future.

kapila Tuesday, 05 April 2011 12:00 PM

bcoz of politics

shamli Tuesday, 05 April 2011 12:13 PM

in the Team NO MORE POLITICS.... PLAYERS MUST BE PLAYERS...

NO MORE IN-VOLE POLITICS IN SPORTS...

no name Tuesday, 05 April 2011 12:16 PM

just becoz he scored 100? he did not do a good job when he was the captain

bandar Tuesday, 05 April 2011 12:57 PM

Sanga, Mahela, we all love you simply becasue of you are simple Sri Lankans.

mic Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:00 PM

Good example to others, he is looking at SL cricket future not his, I wonder why some of our politicians can't follow these , even after so many losses !!!!

Lanka Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:04 PM

thank god..its good

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:03 PM

mahela wont take the captaincy back! cuz mahela is a true gentleman!
sanga has made a good decision.

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:08 PM

if he's gonna make a statement 2 wot happened .he'l be counting iron bars together with sarath fonseka.

Sanjaya Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:02 PM

Please play till I died.- infant

msilva Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:10 PM

nothing to do with politics. we didnt do our best in the final and India was better than us since they beat Aus.

josh Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:24 PM

one of the great captains ive seen after Arjuna and Mahela!!!!

a true leader and a sportsman!!!

bigsam Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:16 PM

But like our politicians, Arjuna didn't know when to resign.

johhnie Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:28 PM

Namal Rajapakse to take over captaincy...

Nazi Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:30 PM

Sanga, I don’t think you will step down as DECANCHARGES Captain

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:43 PM

Sanga you worked well as a captain with many achievements, you must stay for the well being of the team

Samson S. David Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:43 PM

Sanga - Don;t Rush. Respice Finem

IRSHAD Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:44 PM

SANGA WE MISS U ALOT WHT A CAPTAIN SHIP

Eem Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:47 PM

Good. Let someone else who can do better bowling changes and with more confidence take over. Thats all. It has nothing to do with politics.

Sam Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:47 PM

Best captain is Mahela... no doubts of that.. Statistics also proove it..

dally Tuesday, 05 April 2011 02:01 PM

well done mr.sanga;....couage

dally Tuesday, 05 April 2011 02:05 PM

sad...no one can go like u 4 the next wc;;;

humaidhan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:57 PM

arjuna, sanga deserves to leave

RFernando Tuesday, 05 April 2011 02:08 PM

Good. At least keep your honor. Hope you don't join politics like the rest of them.

Ruwan Ferdinandez Tuesday, 05 April 2011 01:58 PM

What? He was a good captain we did have, not "we never had".

kasun Tuesday, 05 April 2011 02:12 PM

Good decision though problom is who will take over.Can any one check whether is there any relation of MR who can play the game.

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:13 PM

no it was mahela!

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:39 PM

wishing his family is so inappropriate here!

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:40 PM

why?

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:41 PM

that's why he's leaving captaincy!

Baba Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:46 PM

why don't you propose the person as the next captain who put you into this stuff

citizen1 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:54 PM

salute?

Farzan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:57 PM

Dear Sanga,

You are a greatest professional cricketer. You are a very respectable cricketer that I saw in my life. For couple of your outs you gave priority to your judgement even umpires missed. Best of Luck for your bright future.

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:44 PM

no i think the fabulous player thilan will do it 4 us!
wot a mind blowing performance by him through out the tournament! :P

gishan Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:56 PM

i think this is a wise decision taken by Sanga after carefull consideration of the SL cricket future...Salute u for bein so brave and for not being greedy for the power as sm previous ones specially politicos....Ranil may be u too should consider this option...lol
The only prospect currently available is Mathews though he might be too young...so Sanga if u could better may be stay with Mathews for couple of years..make him as Vice captain ...also train sm one for kipper as well..cause by the age of 37 ...u might not be flexible enough to do the job behind the wicket..

citizen1 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:56 PM

Obviously this political game is not what Sangakara bargained for. He is a real sportsman and a gentleman.

t20 Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:58 PM

and mahela 2! :(((

prince Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:52 PM

Sanga is a great cricketer and I would call him as a national hero , but what happened tohis talent, vision, courage, dignity, pride & hard work all in vain for patty politicos,
This is the end of Sri Lanka very sad worried about our generations.

Anil de Silva Tuesday, 05 April 2011 03:54 PM

Good move Sanga.Mahela also take the same dicition and because of that you become a very good captain You prove that you were selected to lead the selection team.You are gentlman not like politition.one change the costitution and other one do any thing to be on power.They need only power
Dont wory we had a future leader on our ranks.give the job to angelo mathews.He prove that in under 19 level.You and mahela should play somemore time and groom him.Best of luck sanga.Thanks for the good work

kumara Tuesday, 05 April 2011 04:07 PM

I like to tell my Indian friends that 20 million from our small country took a step back to allow 1.2 billion Indian people to enjoy some happiness, for the second time since 1983.Poor Indians do not enjoye happiness,only sri lankans enjoye happiness.

R.P.Milinda Tuesday, 05 April 2011 04:12 PM

As Sir Don Bradman remarked, " it is best to retire when people asking why rather than when " ! Thank you for the cricket .

shace Tuesday, 05 April 2011 04:22 PM

Beacuse One is Trinitian and the other is Royalist thats the difference!!!!!

no name Wednesday, 06 April 2011 03:12 AM

you r the best in the WORLD

menaka Wednesday, 06 April 2011 03:19 AM

what are u talking about?

Prema de Silva Wednesday, 06 April 2011 03:20 AM

Malkanthi is right.....the only sport we could have been proud of has been eaten by power hungry politicians and their mad stooges who have been appointed as administrators....well done Mahinda...maybe Namal can become Captain now!!!! This is Mahinda Chintanaya!!!!!Jayawewa!!!

Tom sam usa Wednesday, 06 April 2011 03:24 AM

He should let namal pakse of the "dynasty" taKE OVER AND RUIN THE SPORT AS THEY ARE DOING TO THE CUNTRY.

Roshan Wednesday, 06 April 2011 04:39 AM

Very concern about the young Cricketers, you say that 37 is time to retire whereas our MP cricketer wants to play even at 40.

Kumara Wednesday, 06 April 2011 04:56 AM

Today's Mumbai mirror shows how the president was treated in Mumbai. Are you resigning because the president was treated badly or you were treated badly by the VVIP's?

Anthony Suriya Wednesday, 06 April 2011 04:58 AM

How about SB or Mervin until Namal learn to play?

Ceylonese Wednesday, 06 April 2011 05:14 AM

No..

Gamaya Wednesday, 06 April 2011 05:30 AM

So what's next. Any plan for move to politics like others did?

I Hussein Wednesday, 06 April 2011 05:47 AM

I am with you but maybe outside pressure or he is unappy with the team selection in the finals. I still wonder why an injured player played in the WC finals. Doesnt make any sence.

Kalani Raja Wednesday, 06 April 2011 05:50 AM

It'll be fantastic to watch both SB & Mervyn with their sarongs. But with Mervyn, the umpires will have to be careful. He will definitely tie them to the wickets.

Athula Wednesday, 06 April 2011 06:04 AM

Good leader and dont play for other counties & countries for money . Help Sri Lnka Rural Cricket Up Lift as a Favour And Graciously retire . Respice finem - Look to the End

GALTHOPIYA Wednesday, 06 April 2011 06:20 AM

Going froward it will help SRILANKAN cricket

Sriya Wednesday, 06 April 2011 06:35 AM

There maybe many good players, but to find one with leadership qualities will be hard. we salute Sanga!

malkanthi Wednesday, 06 April 2011 07:16 AM

Players are not involved in politics, but the politicians are involved in cricket!

nuz86 Wednesday, 06 April 2011 11:28 AM

Thanks Sanga for the great leadership & sportsmanship... Great player you are..I am a fan of yours since you started to play cricket from 2000 against pakistan with a score of 35... The player who has the highest average (57.25) in a test career after 1975 and only player debut after year 2000to pass 9000 ODI runs.. You are an unsound hero of the world...

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Sanga to resign from Captaincy

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