Sri Lankan cricketer Dinesh Chandimal has shared a heartfelt message in tribute to Angelo Mathews, who is set to play his final Test match for Sri Lanka tomorrow in Galle.
In an emotional note, Chandimal described Mathews as “one of the rarest and most valuable players Sri Lankan cricket has ever produced” and reflected on the privilege of sharing the field with his longtime teammate.
“I’ve learned so much from you—not just as a teammate, but as a captain, a leader, and above all, as a human being,” Chandimal said.
The message highlighted the deep bond between the two players, with Chandimal acknowledging the difficulty of saying goodbye after years of playing together at the highest level.
“We will never again see you and your beautiful smile on the international Test field after today,” he added, calling Mathews’ departure a major loss for Sri Lankan Test cricket.
Chandimal also spoke of the friendship that grew alongside their on-field partnerships. “We came together on the field and built so many valuable partnerships… but in the end, we built an even greater friendship.”
Mathews, who made his Test debut in 2009, will bring the curtain down on a remarkable red-ball career that spanned over 15 years. His retirement marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket.
- Full Message
There’s no doubt Angie, you’re one of the rarest and most valuable players Sri Lankan cricket has ever produced.
It’s been nothing short of a privilege and a blessing to share the field with someone as gifted as you. I’ve learned so much from you, not just as a teammate, but as a captain, a leader, and above all as a human being.
We will never again see you and your beautiful smile, a man with a heart far beyond just being a cricketer – on the international Test field after today.
It’s not easy for me to say goodbye, having shared so many years of international Test cricket alongside you.
Wishing you nothing but the very best in this next chapter, Angi. Sri Lankan Test cricket will miss you dearly.
And lastly, I would say, we came together on the field and built so many valuable partnerships…But in the end, we built an even greater friendship.
– Chandi
