Isuru Udana has announced his retirement from international cricket at 33, confirmed Sri Lanka Cricket. Udana conveyed his decision to the national board through a letter on 30 July. A desire to spend more time with family has been a major factor in his decision. ‘I believe the time has come, for me to retire from international cricket in order to make way for the next generation of players,’ Udana said in a statement.
‘Cricket was, is and always will be my greatest love and I have always given my 100% both on and off the field, respecting and upholding the spirit of cricket and national pride always.’
Since making his international debut in the 2009 T20 World Cup, Udana played 35 T20Is and 21 ODIs for Sri Lanka, claiming 27 and 18 wickets respectively. His regular place in the limited-overs cricket in national colours came from 2017.
Still, Udana will be mostly remembered to cricket fraternity for his innings against South Africa in 2019. Coming to bat at No. 8, he hit 84 not out off 48 balls in a T20I contest.
However, Udana will continue playing in the domestic circuit, and will make himself available for franchise tournaments across the world., starting with the CPL, starting in late August.
Udana last featured in the second T20I against India, where he bowled just one over, and returned 0-7.