It has been a tough few days for Sri Lankan cricket. First, the team had to miss out on the 2025 Champions Trophy. Now, ICC has banned the squad from taking part in any ICC events. For a team which was once a powerhouse, this is a drastic downfall. Here, we take a look at three Sri Lankan cricketers who could surprisingly retire after ICC banned the team.
1) Dimuth Karunaratne
Dimuth Karunaratne did not get a chance to prove his mettle in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Considering his age, he might as well retire not just from ODIs but from all formats of the game.
The World Test Championship is also an ICC event. It is not sure if Sri Lanka can play in it. Dimuth’s forte is Tests and if that is not available, he could take the decision to move aside from the game.
2) Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera is a talented cricketer who has been a part of the setup for a long time. However, if the controversies continue in Sri Lankan cricket, the 33-year-old could take a radical call.
Sri Lanka will need to find a good young opener for the future. While the likes of Kusal Perera could still be available, not taking part in an ICC event will affect their motivation. Hence, he is on the list.
3) Dushmantha Chameera
Dushmantha Chameera is one of the Sri Lankan cricketers who could surprisingly retire after the ICC banned the team. Chameera has been injury-prone in recent years. Even for the 2023 ODI World Cup, he was ruled out initially and then he came in as a replacement signing.
Chameera’s way forward could be to focus on the T20 format. There are multiple leagues that would be willing to sign him regularly. Chameera could opt for that considering his body and the fate of Sri Lankan cricket.
