Kumar Sangakkara to retire after second Test against India in August

Kumar Sangakkara will not play the third Test against Pakistan

Sri Lankan star batsman, Kumar Sangakkara has announced that he'll be retiring from International cricket after the second Test match of the upcoming series against India. He has stated after the World Cup about his retirement and he wants to stand by those words.

"I gave my word and I will stand by that. I would love to be able to choose where I end but I'll play where the matches are. I had the time of my life playing for Sri Lanka," said Sangakkara in a press conference after the close of Day 3 of 2nd Test against Pakistan.

He continued saying that it's always an honour to play for Sri Lanka and the fearless cricket culture should go on.

"It is the greatest honour. Donning the whites for Sri Lanka has a special place. I hope there will be a culture of fearless cricket where they won't be afraid to play."

When asked if he is going to stop playing cricket, he replied he can’t stop and he’ll miss the Sri Lankan team.

"I don't think I can completely stop playing cricket. I am going to miss playing for SL a lot. But the pressure won't be there."

He added saying that he wants give a clear message to my teammates that he played for the country and not for himself.

"I want to look at my teammates in the eye and say I really went out there for the country and not individual records."

The left-handed batsman has played 131 Test till now and made 12271 runs at an average of 58.43 with 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries to his name. He was asked if he has any plans for coaching any team? He replied with a smile saying he’ll make bad coach.

"I think I will make a bad coach. I don't think I have the patience for that."