Angelo Mathews, the former captain and veteran of Sri Lankan cricket, has recently voiced his concerns regarding the limited number of Test matches scheduled for Sri Lanka in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With Sri Lanka set to play only four Test matches in 2025, their lowest tally in a calendar year since 2013 (excluding the COVID-affected year of 2020), Mathews believes that the nation deserves more opportunities to compete in the longest format of the game, drawing comparisons to Australia, England, and India.
Mathews, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket after a remarkable 17-year career, emphasized the significance of Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport. He argued that Sri Lanka, with its rich cricketing history and achievements, should be given the same platform as other leading Test-playing nations. "I feel there has to be a minimum of 10 matches at least [in a year]," Mathews stated, highlighting the disparity between Sri Lanka's schedule and those of England, India, and Australia, who often play 15 or more Tests annually.
Sri Lanka's schedule in the 2025-2027 WTC cycle includes just six two-match series, a figure jointly lowest with Bangladesh. In contrast, Australia is slated to play 22 Tests, England 21, and India 18. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the development of young players and the overall health of Test cricket in Sri Lanka. Mathews expressed his disappointment, stating, "I think it's quite sad, to be honest. I mean, the younger generation is urging for more Test cricket."
Mathews' call for more Test matches echoes sentiments previously expressed by current Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who also voiced his disappointment at the limited opportunities. Their concerns highlight a growing sentiment within the Sri Lankan cricket community that the nation's Test cricket ambitions are being undermined by a lack of exposure.
Sri Lanka has a storied history in Test cricket, achieving Full Member status of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1981. They have produced legendary cricketers such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Muttiah Muralitharan, and hold the world record for the highest team score in a Test innings (952/6 declared against India in 1997). Despite these achievements, Sri Lanka's recent Test performances have been inconsistent, and the lack of regular Test cricket could hinder their progress.
Angelo Mathews, who made his Test debut in 2009, has been a mainstay of Sri Lankan cricket, amassing 8,167 runs in 118 matches, placing him third on the list of Sri Lanka's all-time Test run-scorers, behind Sangakkara and Jayawardene. Beyond his individual achievements, Mathews captained Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, securing 13 victories. His decision to retire from Test cricket underscores his concern for the future of the format in Sri Lanka, as he believes it is time for younger players to step up and carry the torch.
As Angelo Mathews bids farewell to Test cricket, his impassioned plea for more Test matches serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing Test cricket in all nations. For Sri Lanka to continue its legacy in the sport, it is essential that they are provided with ample opportunities to compete and showcase their talent on the global stage.
