Limited to Just Four Tests in 2025: Sri Lanka’s Struggle for More Matches Explained
Angelo Mathews has expressed his frustration regarding Sri Lanka’s limited Test match schedule in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Scheduled to play only six series from 2025 to 2027, Sri Lanka’s fixtures are tied for the fewest alongside Bangladesh. In stark contrast, cricketing giants Australia, England, and India will compete in significantly more matches during the same period. Mathews emphasized the need for more Test cricket, especially for the younger generation eager to see their team play more frequently.
### Concerns Over Limited Test Matches
Mathews did not hold back in voicing his disappointment over the scant number of Test matches Sri Lanka is slated to play. The 2025 calendar indicates that Sri Lanka will play just four Tests, marking the lowest count since 2013, excluding the pandemic-affected year of 2020. Mathews urged that the younger players are keen for more opportunities to showcase their skills in the longest format of the game, mentioning, “I think it’s quite sad, to be honest.” He highlighted the disparity in the number of matches played by teams such as England, India, and Australia, which exceed 15 per year. Mathews believes that Sri Lanka should also be afforded the chance to participate in at least ten matches annually.
### Mathews Reflects on His Career
The seasoned all-rounder recently declared that he will retire from Test cricket after the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle. At 37, Mathews has been a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan team since his debut in 2009. Over his illustrious career, he has amassed 8,167 runs in 118 Test matches, ranking third on Sri Lanka’s all-time run-scoring list, behind legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. He has also contributed with the ball, taking 33 wickets throughout his career. Mathews is particularly notable for his record at Galle, where he is the second-highest run-scorer with 2,206 runs in 33 matches.
### A Farewell to Test Cricket
Mathews will step onto the field for his 119th and final Test match against Bangladesh, a poignant moment as he bids farewell to the format that has defined his career. His choice of Galle as the venue for his last match is significant; it was also where he celebrated his 100th Test. Mathews explained that the decision to retire now stems from the lack of immediate Test match opportunities, with the next series not scheduled for another year. “After this, we’ll be having our next assignment in Test cricket after a year’s time,” he noted, illustrating the long wait ahead for his team.
Mathews also enjoyed a successful tenure as captain, leading Sri Lanka in 34 Tests from 2013 to 2017 and achieving 13 victories, which stands as the third-most wins by a Sri Lankan captain. His contributions to Sri Lankan cricket will be remembered, as he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination in the sport.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
