Sangakkara quits as Sri Lanka one-day captain

Wednesday, 6 April 2011 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Kumar Sangakkara has stood down as captain of Sri Lanka’s limited overs team after their World Cup final loss to India on Saturday, but plans to carry on as test skipper until a replacement is found.

“I would like to announce that after careful consideration I have concluded that it is in the best long-term interests of the team that I step down now as national captain,” Sangakkara said in a statement on the Sri Lanka team website (www.srilankacricket.lk) on Tuesday.

Sangakkara, 33, said he made the decision prior to the World Cup jointly hosted by Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.

“I met the selectors on Monday and I explained my reasons for my decision and I assured them of my fullest support in helping our new captain settle into the leadership,” the wicketkeeper-batsman added.

“In this regard, I have offered to continue as the Test captain for the forthcoming series with England and possibly Australia if the selectors believe this would help the new captain and aid the transition.

“I will be 37 by the next World Cup and I cannot therefore be sure of my place in the team. It is better that Sri Lanka is led now by a player who will be at the peak of their career during that tournament.

“It has been a true honour and a great privilege to serve my country as captain during the past two years and, although bitterly disappointed that we could not win the final, I am very proud of the performance of the team.” The left-hander, however, dismissed any talk of retirement.

“I have no plans for retirement from international cricket at this stage and subject to form and fitness I would like to be considered for selection in all three formats of the game for the foreseeable future,” he said.