The 2019 Cricket World Cup was a stage that brought together cricketing talent from across the globe, and the Sri Lankan national cricket team was no exception.

As the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023  is about to begin, it’s pertinent to recognize that some prominent Sri Lankan players who graced the 2019 World Cup with their skills will not be part of the upcoming tournament.

Avishka Fernando

Avishka Fernando made a stunning entrance onto the international cricket st??age during the 2019 World Cup, captivating fans worldwide with his electrifying batting prowess. His aggressive style at the crease left an indelible mark on the tournament, and he etched his name into cricketing history with several unforgettable innings. However, despite his immense talent and ability to provide explosive starts, circumstances beyond his control have led to his omission from the 2023 World Cup squad.

Lahiru Thirimanne

Lahiru Thirimanne, the elegant left-handed batter, had been a notable inclusion in the 2019 World Cup squad. However, his absence from the 2023 edition has raised eyebrows among cricket fanatics. Thirimanne’s wealth of experience and unwavering technique in the middle order could have provided invaluable stability to the team.

Also READ: Sri Lanka Cricket announces its 15-man squad ??for the ODI World Cup 2023

Angelo Mathews

Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s most seasoned all-rounders, played a pivotal role in the 2019 World Cup squad. Unfortunately, a series of injuries and persistent form struggles have regrettably sidelined him from the 2023 World Cup.

Jeevan Mendis

Jeevan Mendis, an accomplished all-rounder known for his leg-spin prowess, proudly donned the Sri Lankan jersey during the 2012 T20 World Cup and the 2015 World Cup campaigns. Following a hiatus of three years from international cricket, the 40-year-old made a remarkable comeback when he was selected for the T20I series against Bangladesh in February 2018. Notably, his inclusion extended to Sri Lanka’s 2019 Cricket World Cup squad, where he showcased his skills on the global stage. However, in December 2021, Mendis bid farewell to his illustrious international cricket career, marking the end of an era.

Thisara Parera

Another all-rounder, Thisara Perera, remained integral to the Sri Lankan cricket team for a long time. Remembered for his explosive batting style, the lef??t-handed batter bid farewell to international cricket in 2021.

Isuru Udana

Isuru Udana‘s left-arm fast-medium bowling and ability to deliver powerful blows in the lower order significantly bolstered the Sri Lankan team’s strength during the 2019 World Cup. His presence was noteworthy back then, serving as a vital squad component. Regrettably, he will not be among the contingent for the 2023 World Cup, signalling a shift in the team’s composition.

Milinda Siriwardana

Milinda Siriwardana, a gifted left-handed all-rounder, etched his name in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history with pivotal innings during the 2019 World Cup. His contributions were undeniably significant in crucial moments. Nevertheless, his absence from the 2023 squad creates a noticeable void in the team’s all-round capabilities.

Suranga Lakmal

Suranga Lakmal, a stalwart in Sri Lanka’s pace bowling department, lent his reliability to the 2019 World Cup squad. He played a crucial role with his knack for maintaining control and discipline with the ball. The 36-year-old bowler bid adieu to international cricket in 2022, marking the end of a remarkable career.

Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga is undeniably one of the best pacers in cricket history. The retirement of the right-arm pacer signifies a profound void for the team. Malinga’s mastery of deadly yorkers and invaluable experience proved pivotal during the 2019 World Cup. However, regrettably, he bid farewell to international cricket in 2021.

Jeffrey Vandersay

Jeffrey Vandersay, the talented leg-spin bowler, played a crucial role as Sri Lanka’s spin option during the 2019 World Cup. Nevertheless, it is surprising to note that he has not found a place in the squad for the 2023 World Cup, raising questions about the team’s strategic choices for this significant tournament.

Nuwan Pradeep

Nuwan Pradeep, a right-arm fast-medium bowler, left an indelible mark with his remarkable performances during the 2019 World Cup. His pace, accuracy, and ability to swing the ball made him a formidable force on the cricketing field. His contributions were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s campaign, and his memorable moments are etched in the minds of cricket enthusiasts around the globe. However, the 36-year-old won’t don the Sri Lankan jersey in the 2023 World Cup.

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Here are complete squads of all 10 teams

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In a heartfelt announcement on his official Facebook page, Sri Lanka’s top-order batter, Lahiru Thirimanne, announced his retirement from international cricket. The decision marks the end of a remarkable 13-year career, during which Thirimanne etched his name in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket history. With 44 Test matches, 127 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and ?26 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) under his belt, the 33-year-old cricketer left ??a lasting impact on the sport.

Reflecting on his journey, Thirimanne expressed gratitude to all those who supported and encouraged him throughout his career. “As a player, I have given my best, I have tried my best, I have respected the game, and I have done my duty honestly and ethically to my motherland,” he wrote in his farewell post.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but I cannot mention here the many unexpected reasons that influenced me to take this decision willingly or unwillingly. I take this opportunity to thank the SLC members, my coaches, teammates, physios, trainers and analysts for their support and encouragement,” he added.

Thirimanne’s international debut came in an ODI game during the triangular series fixture against India in Mirpur. He swiftly rose to prominence and showcased his potential with a century against Australia in Adelaide in 2013. The following year, 2014, proved to be even more spectacular for the talented batter, as he topped the batting charts in Sri Lanka’s triumphant Asia Cup campaign, scoring two centuries. He was also a vital part of the T20I squad that secured victory in the T20 World Cup.

During his international career, Thirimanne reached the pinnacle of his prowess in the 50-over format in 2015 when he amassed a total of 861 runs, including a century in the World Cup. In Test cricke??t, he recorded three centuries, with his final one being achieved in a victory against Bangladesh in Pallekele in 2021. His last appearance in the Test format took place in Bengaluru against?? India last year.

Thirimanne’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket have been commendable, and he leaves the field with an impressive record of 2088 runs in Tests, 3194 runs in ODIs, and 291 runs in T20Is. His presence on the pitch will undoubtedly be missed by fans and teammates alike.

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Apart from some of the most exciting Test matches, 2021 has also been a tremendous year for some batters across the different teams. England skipper Joe Root is the highest run-getter this year, while Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has ?the best average among players who have sc?ored more than 500 runs.

Speaking about the top batters of 2021, former India opener Aakash Chopra has picked his top five batters of 2021 on his YouTube channel. Chopra went with two Indians, and one each from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England. Starting with the fifth position, Chopra named Pakistan batting sensation Fawad Alam.

Alam played 9 matches this year, scoring 571 runs at an average of 57 with the help of three hundreds and two half-centuries. While picking Alam, Chopra said: “Fawad Alam is there in the five names I have picked. He had faded into oblivion, but he has not stopped once he has made a comeback. He is grabbing every opportunity with both hands.”

After Alam, the cricketer-turned-commentator picked Sri Lankan batter Lahiru Thirimanne, wh?o had a memorable year, especially? with his notable overseas performances. Thirimanne played seven matches and scored 659 runs at an average close to 51 with two tons and four fifties.

“Another name which is there in my mind is Lahiru Thirimanne. He has played against South Africa in South Africa, against England in England, against West Indies in West Indies and against Bangladesh at home,” said Chopra.

Following Thirimanne, Chopra went with two Indians in the form of Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma to fulfil the third and second pla??ce, respectively. Both Pant and Rohit had produced terrific shows in 2??021.

Pant’s heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Rohit’s excellent display in England helped them earn goodwill among the cricket fraternity. This year, Rohit is the second-highest run-getter (906 in 11 matches), while Pant is at the fourth position with 706 runs in 11 games.

“The third name in the list is Rishabh Pant. It is unbelievable that he is the fastest visiting wicketkeeper to reach 500 runs in Australia in Tests. The fourth name on my list is Rohit Sharma. He has been absolutely sensational. This is Rohit Sharma’s watershed year as a Test cricketer,” added Chopra.

For the number one position, Chopra picked England captain Joe Root. The 44-year-o?ld heaped praises on the Englishman for his doub?le centuries in both Sri Lanka and India and opined he was the best batter of 2021.

“The fifth name is Joe Root. The double century at Chennai in the first Test and a double century in Sri Lanka, back-to-back centuries against India in England. He has been a player par excellence. In my opinion, Joe Root has to be the best Test batter of 2021,” Chopra added further.

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Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne has climbed up four spots to the eleventh position in the latest ICC Test player rankings for batsmen,?? which was announced on Wednesday.

The list is led by New Zealand captain Kane Williamson with 919 points, followed by Steve Smith with 891 points. India captain Virat Kohli held his fifth spot with 814 points.

Karunaratne, due to his staggering performances in the Bangladesh series, achieved the feat and is now the top-ranked Sri Lankan player in the ICC rankings. The next player on the list after him is Angelo Mathews at the 24th position.

The Sri Lankan captain scored 244 runs in the first Test, followed by 118 and 66 in the seco??nd game and wa??s also adjudged the “Player of the Series�? His career-best is the sixth position, which he attained in August 2019.

🏏 428 runs at 142.66
�?Two hundreds, one fifty
💥 Crossed 5000 runs in Tests
🏅 Player of the Series

What a fantastic #SLvBAN series Dimuth Karunaratne had! pic.twitter.com/uSUBFfXTQA

— ICC (@ICC) May 4, 2021

The other Sri Lankan players to move up in the rankings are Niroshan Dickwella (31st ), Oshada Fernando (58th) and Lahiru Thirimanne (60th). The debutant, Praveen Jayawickrama also entered the list and is at ?the 48th position.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal gained three places to reach the 27th position. He scored 90 and 74 not out in the series opener. In the second test, he scored 92 and 24, respectively. His teammate Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Mominul Haque?? have also moved one position each to the 21st and 30th slot.

Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali also moved 15 positions to career-best 20th.. His performance of nine for 89 in the first Test against Zimbabwe helped him gain points. Shaheen Afridi, and Nauman Ali, also mov?ed to 31st and 54th position in the rankings.

Fawad Alam, continuing his great run, has reached a career-best r??anking of 47 among the batsmen.

Regis Chakabva, the right-handed wicket-keeper batsman for Zimbabwe, gained two slots to reach the 97th position. His teammate, Blessing Muzarabani, advanced to get t??he 55th position among the bowlers.

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After a wait of 10 years, Karachi is finally set ??to host ??the first ODI tournament beginning on Friday (September 27). The home team will play against Sri Lanka for a three-match series.

International Cricket is all set to return to Pakistan after a long time! pic.twitter.com/VwQkACSGsU

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 25, 2019

The Sri Lankan team’s bus was attacked by militants back on March 3, 2009, at Lahore. After the incident, Pakistan was not able to host any international tournaments for six years.

Many Sri Lankan players including Lasith Malinga and Dimuth Karunaratne pulled out ahead of the series, citing security concerns. The Sri Lankan team announced Lahiru Thirimanne and Dasun Shanaka a??s the captains for ODI and T20I side respectively.

The Pakistan team will play for the first time under the supervision of newl?y ap?pointed head-coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq. The team has named their star ?batsman Babar Azam as the new vice??-captain.

Ahead o??????????????????????????f the match, skipper Sa?rfaraz Ahmed requested fans to show up at the stadium and support the event.

“History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first ODI series since January 2009. I request all cricket fans to be part of history so that they can tell the next generation that they were at the National Stadium when an international series was played,” tweeted Sarfaraz Ahmed.

History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first ODI series since January 2009. I request all cricket fans to be part of history so that they can tell the next generation that they were at the National Stadium when an international series was played. pic.twitter.com/YYifMYswvj

— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) September 25, 2019

Babar too urged cricket fans to turn up in huge numbers to ??support the home side at the National Stadium.

“Friday will be one of my biggest days when I will take the field as Pakistan vice-captain. I will want the entire country as well as the National Stadium crowd to make this a day to remember for me. #PAKvSL,” tweeted Babar Azam.

Friday will be one of my biggest days when I will take the field as Pakistan vice-captain. I will want the entire country as well as the National Stadium crowd to make this a day to remember for me. #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/YbhfvHIIga

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 25, 2019

After the ODIs, both teams will? face each other for a three-match T20I series starting from October 5.

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Ravichandran Ashwin ‘mankading’ Jos Buttler during the IPL clash between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab has sparked a huge debate. While many cricket fans and experts have lashed out at Ashwin for not upholding the ‘Spirit of the game’, others have supported the KXIP skipper for playing within the laws of the game.

Amidst pl?enty of hue and cry, it is worth mentioning here that it was not for the first time on Monday that Ashwin mankaded a batsman and the off-spinner had inflict??ed a similar kind of dismissal in an ODI game against Sri Lanka at the Gabba in 2012. However, captain Virender Sehwag after consultation with the batting legend Sachin Tendulkar had decided to withdraw the appeal back then.

Sri Lanka’s left-handed batsman Lahiru Thirimanne was at the receiving end in that match.

Ashwin was denied the wicket then but on Monday he successfully mankaded Buttler, ??which later proved to be the turning point in the game as the English wicket-keeper batsman?? was looking in great touch and was dismissed after scoring 69 off 43 deliveries.

After Buttler’s dismissal, Royals’ batting line-up crumbled under pressure in the 185-run chase with KXIP winning the match by 14 runs.

Here’s the video:

Following the uproar over Ravi Ashwin's IPL 'Mankad', here's a look back at an incident from a 2012 ODI against Sri Lanka at the Gabba pic.twitter.com/IRR528s0ha

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 27, 2019

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