Angelo Mathews Disappointed with Sri Lanka's Test Schedule
The limited Test schedule has sparked concerns about the future of Test cricket in Sri Lanka, and Mathews' comments highlight the need for more matches to be scheduled for the team. With his retirement, Sri Lanka will lose a key player, but his continued involvement in white-ball cricket will provide a boost to the team.
Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews has expressed his disappointment over the limited Test schedule of Sri Lanka in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle, with the team set to play only six two-match series between 2025 and 2027.
Mathews contrasts this with the extensive schedules of top teams like Australia, England, and India, who will play 22, 21, and 18 Tests respectively during the same period. He believes that Test cricket is essential for younger players and that Sri Lanka should aim for a minimum of 10 matches per year, similar to top teams. Mathews, who has been a mainstay of the Sri Lankan side for over 15 years, has expressed his disappointment that the team does not have any games scheduled for the next year.
The veteran all-rounder, who is set to retire from Test cricket after the first Test against Bangladesh, hopes to continue playing white-ball cricket until the 2026 T20 World Cup, depending on his fitness. Mathews made his Test debut in Galle in 2009 and is set to retire from Tests there, after playing his 100th Test in the same venue. He cited the lack of upcoming Test matches as a reason for his retirement, and also expressed his desire to play the 2026 T20 World Cup and retire from white-ball cricket after that tournament.
Mathews acknowledged that his poor workload management had taken a toll on his body, but is satisfied with his career and believes Sri Lanka's cricket is moving in the right direction. His retirement from Test cricket will mark the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket, and his legacy will continue to inspire younger players.