Angelo Mathews expressed deep regret and issued an apology to the nation following Sri Lanka’s premature exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The team’s campaign came to an abrupt end after failing to progress to the Super Eight stage, marked by disappointing losses to South Africa and Bangladesh in New York and Dallas, respectively. Their third match against Nepal was abandoned due to rain, further dimming their chances of advancing.
In a heartfelt statement, Mathews acknowledged that the team had let down not only themselves but also the passionate cricket-loving nation of Sri Lanka.
He admitted that they had not lived up to the expectations they had set for themselves, especially after entering the tournament with confidence following three consecutive T20I series wins, including a significant victory over Bangladesh.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the tournament, Mathews highlighted the fierce competition and the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where any team can rise to the occasion and upset higher-ranked opponents.
Despite the setbacks, he remained optimistic about their final group stage match against the Netherlands in St. Lucia, stressing the importance of ending the campaign on a positive note and playing for pride.
Looking beyond the current disappointment, Mathews spoke candidly about his own future in international cricket, emphasizing his commitment to giving his best in every match.
With the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka, he acknowledged the uncertainties but reaffirmed his dedication to the team’s ongoing development and success.
As Sri Lanka prepares to face the Netherlands in their last group fixture, Mathews and the team are determined to salvage some pride amidst the disappointment.
Their aim is not only to end the tournament with a victory but also to demonstrate their capabilities and readiness to bounce back stronger in future competitions.
Mathews concluded with a message of gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and reassured them that despite the current setback, the team would continue to strive for excellence and bring pride to Sri Lanka in the sport they cherish deeply
