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Former Sri Lanka Star Tillakaratne Dilshan Obtains Australian Citizenship

image-lt1gq9wdTM Dilshan was one of the most successful openers for Sri Lanka [X.com]

Former Sri Lanka stalwart Tillakaratne Dilshan on Sunday (February 25) acquired Australian citizenship after fulfilling the criteria required to become a resident of the country Down Under. 

Dilshan, the explosive Sri Lankan opener in his prime, who had travelled to Australia for multiple trips across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, is now officially an Australian citizen after being honored with the tag during a ceremony organised by Australian MP Jason Wood.

The 47-year-old had been planning to move to Australia and pursue his post-retirement career as a coach or batting mentor in the club cricket scene. He now has the opportunity to ply his trade without time constraints or logistical hindrances.

TM Dilshan Obtains Australian Citizenship 

"Dilshan is regarded as the best Sri Lankan player in run-chases in ODI history," Wood, the Australian government official, said while announcing the news on social media. "He also holds the record for being the top run scorer in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup with 500 runs and scored a century against England in the semi-final. Additionally, he was part of the Sri Lankan team that won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20."


Wood also hoped Dilshan would soon join one of the club teams and share his expertise with the young players aspiring to expand their wings in the domestic and international circuits.

Renowned for his extravagant playing style in the middle, which gave rise to the term 'Dilscoop' because of his trademark scoop shot, Dilshan donned the Sri Lankan jersey 467 times at the international stage.

The swashbuckling cricketer played 87 Tests, 330 ODIs and 80 T20Is for the Lankan Lions and scored nearly 18,000 runs at the international stage, playing with a strike-rate of 86.23 in ODIs and 120.54 in T20Is.