End of a long and distinguished career

The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka has received notification from Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga that he will be retiring from International Cricket at the end of the present Test Series between Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Arjuna in his letter to the Manager of the Sri Lanka Team says;

"Cricket has been an integral part of my life ever since I held a bat as a schoolboy. Amidst all trials and tribulations I enjoyed every minute of playing cricket as long as I could do so with honour and dignity. And, naturally, this has been a painful decision. I arrived at it after a great deal of consideration and thought.

I take this opportunity to thank all my well-wishers, fellow cricketers and more particularly the cricketing public without whose support I could not have carried on for so long."

Arjuna's immense contribution to the game is inestimable. His spirit and courage has inspired and evolved a new breed of Sri Lankan cricketers who are able to hold their own against any team in the World. His illustrious career, starting off as a humble 18 year old schoolboy has spanned 19 years and transformed the psyche of Sri Lanka cricket culminating in the 1996 World Cup Victory which is singularly Sri Lanka's greatest sporting achievement to date.

Arjuna has been one of Sri Lanka's most successful and the longest serving captain ever and an excellent sporting ambassador for his country. His Test and One Day achievements are now a fundamental part of Sri Lanka's proud cricket history.

Arjuna's vibrant personality coupled with his qualities of leadership has made him an excellent role model to children throughout our island nation.

His gritty defiance in Pakistan where he batted under conditions of great duress has stood him apart as a great Sri Lankan and truly great sportsman.

Test Career: (Up to and including Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan 28th June - 02nd July 2000, Asgiriya International Stadium, Kandy - Sri Lanka)

Total matches played : 90 Captained : 56, Won 12, Lost 19, Drew 25 100's : 4 50's : 36 Highest score : 135* Vs Pakistan at P. Sarawanamuttu Stadium 85/86 Total runs scored : 4908 runs Batting average : 35.30

One Day International career: (Up to and including Sri Lanka Vs Kenya 30th May 1999 at Southampton World Cup 1999.

Total matches played : 269 Captained : 193, Won 89, Lost 99, Drew 01 100's : 4 50' : 49 Highest score : 131* Total runs scored : 7454 Batting average : 35.84

National Achievements and Recognitions:

Deshabandu title in 1993 Deshamanya title in 1996 Man of the Year 1999

He also holds the singular honour of being the only cricketer in the world to have represented his country in both its inaugural Test match and its 100th Test match.

Further proof of Arjuna's prolific cricketing ability was his achievement in the 1999/2000 Premier Division Tournament, where he was adjudged "Best Batsman".

Statistics Premier League Tournament:

Total matches played : 6 100's : 3 50's : 2 Highest Score :141 Total runs scored : 639 Batting average : 79.88

It is with mixed feelings that I write this, having known Arjuna as a schoolboy and then having followed his successful career over the last 25 years.

On behalf of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, my Executive Committee and the cricket-loving public, I thank Arjuna for his invaluable contribution to the game. I am more than confident that his contribution does not end here - his vast experience and intricate knowledge of the game can be harnessed to further enhance the quality and stature of this great game in Sri Lanka and beyond.

As a personal friend, and administrators, I would like to wish Arjuna, his wife Samadara, son Diyan and daughter Thyangi all the very best for their future.

Thilanga Sumathipala President, BCCSL