Colombo, May 23, 2025 — Veteran Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a legendary era for the island nation’s red-ball squad.
Mathews shared the emotional news via social media, revealing that the upcoming first Test match against Bangladesh in Galle next month will be his final appearance in whites.
The 36-year-old all-rounder, who made his Test debut at the same venue in 2009 against Pakistan, has been a pillar of Sri Lankan cricket for over 15 years. Throughout his illustrious Test career, Mathews has played 118 matches and amassed 8,167 runs, making him the third-highest run-scorer in Sri Lanka’s Test history—only behind legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena. With the ball, he contributed 33 valuable wickets, proving his worth as a dependable all-rounder.
Mathews holds a special affinity with the Galle International Stadium, where he has scored 2,206 runs across 33 matches, making it his most successful venue. His career includes memorable performances such as his unbeaten 200 against Zimbabwe in 2020, and a match-winning 160 at Headingley in 2014, which was complemented by his impressive 4/44 bowling figures in the same game.
In addition to his personal records, Mathews also etched his name in history as Sri Lanka’s third-most successful Test captain. Between 2013 and 2017, he led the national side in 34 matches, securing 13 victories and playing a vital role in shaping a competitive Test unit.
While announcing his decision, Mathews wrote:
“It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket. The past 17 years of playing for Sri Lanka has been my highest honor and pride. I have given everything to this game, and cricket has made me who I am today.”
Despite retiring from Tests, Mathews has confirmed his availability for white-ball formats. His most recent appearance for Sri Lanka came during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup against New Zealand.
With one final match left in Galle, fans will bid farewell to Mathews, a true Sri Lankan great who gave his all for his country on and off the field.