Quitting Sri Lanka captaincy was a tough call: Shashikala

Wednesday, 16 April 2014 01:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s 29-year-old women’s cricketer Shashikala Siriwardene says decision to step down from the captaincy was a tough one. The Sri Lankan all-rounder relinquished team captaincy last week. Speaking exclusively on Sunday morning over her mobile from Colombo, she said: “Yes, it was a tough call but have no regrets. I am happy to end

like this. My family members, cricket board officials and friends have supported my decision. I got lot of support from them.” She had been leading the side for about eight years. “I shall be happy to help the young players in future and will also try to groom a young leader for the national women’s team.” “I shall continue to play under a new captain,” she emphasised. Shashikala has been confirmed for the Women’s MCC vs. Rest of the World match at Lord’s on 19 May this year. The match will be played on the occasion to celebrate the bicentenary of the ground. Captains of India and Pakistan’s women team are also scheduled to participate in this match. “I have played under Mithali Raj in an Afro-Asian match in 2007. It was great to play under her and again I am having a chance to play with her and also Sana Mir. I would like to say it is a privilege to play with such great players. “I have just played one match with Mithali and it will be the first time to play with Sana Mir. Hope we can do well together,” she signed off. (Kashmir Times)