Frustrated Angelo Mathews takes sabbatical from international cricket

Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews has taken a sabbatical from international cricket and has opted out from the limited-overs series against India. However, his remaining Sri Lankan teammates have signed the much debated tour contract ahead of the India series and will be playing taking part in all six games, Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) have confirmed on Wednesday, 7 July.

Mathews who has been one of the most consistent performers for his national side was considered among the 30 nominated by the board for the white ball series against India. While 29 of them have signed the contract, Mathews has opted out of the c0ntract citing personal reasons.

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that 29 players, out of the 30 members nominated by the cricket selectors to be considered for the white-ball series against India, have signed the tour contract," the SLC said in a statement.

"Angelo Mathews... requested Sri Lanka Cricket to relieve him from national duties, owing to personal reasons, until further notice,” the statement added.

The former Sri Lankan skipper last played for the national side during the Caribbean tour earlier this year. He was subsequently dropped in May along with several other senior cricketers as the selectors wanted to move forward keeping an eye on the ODI World Cup slated to be played in India in 2023.

The Sri Lankan cricket team are currently going through their toughest phases in international cricket. Failing to show any resistance in the limited-overs series, they were whitewashed by England in both formats of the game.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella were sent back home midway through the tour after they breached the bio-bubble protocols. They could be in line for a lengthy suspension.

The limited-overs series involving Sri Lanka and India kicks off on 13th July with three ODIs and the same number of T20s. The Indian side will be led by Shikhar Dhawan in the absence of several of their first-choice players. Despite sending a second-string side, India will start as outright favourites and will look to ease past the struggling Lankans.

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Our performances are not consistent due to poor selection policy: Shahid Afridi lambasts PCB

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Blessing Muzarabani rattles Bangladesh top order, puts hosts in commanding position

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Twitter trends HappyBirthdayMSD as fans wish India's most successful captain on his 40th birthday

Twitter has been abuzz with posts of appreciation and congratulations for MS Dhoni, ever since 12 am on July 7, the birth date of the former India skipper. People from across fields, be it former and current Indian players, politicians and Bollywood celebrities as well as the cricket governing body in India the Bo0ard of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) wished the Jharkhand born. Dhoni, the only captain in the World to have won all the three short format world titles in the form of T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy, turned forty on Wednesday, July 7. He is still very much active in cricket as he would be seen captaining his IPL side Chennai Super Kings when the UAE leg of the tournament begins in September. One of the legends of Indian cricket, Dhoni retired in August 2020, having not played any match post the semi-final loss of India to New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup. Post that, he couldn’t do too well in the IPL as his team for the first time in its 11 years history, failed to make it to the Playoffs and finished seventh on the Points Table.