Rajapaksa withdraws decision to retire from international cricket

Rajapaksa had announced his retirement from the game on January 3. © Getty
Sri Lanka batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa withdrew his decision to retire from international cricket, the Sri Lankan board announced.

Just over a week ago on January 3, Rajapaksa announced to the board his decision to retire from international cricket with immediate effect, citing family obligations. In his retirement letter, Rajapaksa wrote: "I have very carefully considered my position as a player, husband and am taking this decision looking forward to fatherhood and associated familial obligations."

However, on Thursday (January 13) a release from SLC stated: "Pursuant to a meeting with the Hon. Namal Rajapaksa - Minister of Youth & Sports and after consulting with the National Selectors, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has notified SLC that he wishes to withdraw his resignation which he tendered to SLC on 3rd Jan. 2022, with immediate effect.

"In his letter to SLC withdrawing his resignation, he further states that he wishes to represent his country in the game he loves for the years to come."

Rajapaksa has featured in 5 ODIs and 18 T20Is, scoring a total of runs 409 across formats, including 3 fifties.