Angelo Mathews Announces Retirement Plans Ahead of Final Test Against Bangladesh
Farewell to Test Cricket
As he prepares for his final Test match against Bangladesh, former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews has revealed his intention to retire from white-ball cricket. The seasoned cricketer will conclude his remarkable Test career after the first match of the two-match series at Galle, the venue where he made his Test debut.
Retirement Announcement
In May, Mathews shared his decision to retire from Test cricket via social media, emphasizing the need to pass the baton to younger talent who can advance Sri Lanka's Test cricket future.
A Fitting Farewell Venue
At 38 years old, Mathews chose Galle for his farewell, having played both his first and 100th Test matches at this historic ground, making it a perfect setting for his last red-ball appearance.
Plans for White-Ball Retirement
During a press conference before the first Test against Bangladesh, Mathews announced his plans to retire from white-ball cricket after the T20 World Cup in 2026. He expressed his commitment to improving his fitness to participate in the upcoming tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
"With six months until the T20 World Cup, I will assess my fitness and aim to retire at that event," Mathews stated, as reported by a sports news outlet.
"If we can secure another World Cup victory, I will strive to contribute to that goal. I am dedicated to enhancing my fitness and skills in the coming months," he added.
Emotional Farewell
EMOTIONAL SCENES AT GALLE 🥺❤️- A beautiful farewell from Test Cricket for Angelo Mathews, An Icon Sri Lankan Cricket. pic.twitter.com/DrdazYSC4y
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2025
Mathews was part of the Sri Lankan squad that clinched the T20 World Cup in 2014, defeating India in the final held in Bangladesh. His last T20I appearance was during the previous year's T20 World Cup against the Netherlands in the group stage.
In his T20I career, Mathews has scored 1,416 runs, including six fifties, with an average of 27.76, and has taken 45 wickets at an average of 30.86 across 90 matches.
Reason for Test Retirement
Discussing his decision to retire from Test cricket, Mathews mentioned his desire to allow a successor to gain experience in the second Test, as Sri Lanka's next Test series is scheduled for next year against the West Indies.
"The primary reason is the lack of upcoming matches. After this, our next Test series is a year away, which is quite a long time," Mathews explained.
"I felt it was best to give the player replacing me a chance in the second Test, as he won't have another opportunity until next year. In a year, circumstances can change significantly. Therefore, I decided to play one match and then step aside to let the next player have his chance," he added.
Mathews' Test Career Highlights
Angelo Mathews is regarded as one of Sri Lanka's premier Test cricketers. He ranks as the third-highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in Tests, accumulating 8,167 runs, which includes 16 centuries and 45 fifties, with an impressive average of 44.62 over 118 matches. Additionally, he has taken 33 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, with an average of 54.48 and an economy rate of 2.17 in the same number of matches.
Mathews aims to conclude his Test career on a high note with a standout performance at Galle, the venue that has been significant throughout his red-ball journey.