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Picture Credit: Twitter

Mere days of announcing retirement from international cricket, Sri Lankan cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has withdrawn his letter of retirement that was handed over to Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC). Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially confirmed the development in a statement today. On January 13, cricket administrator Roshan Abeysinghe notified about the development via his Twitter account and informed the withdrawal of Rajapaksa’s letter submitted to the board.  

He wrote, “Great news! Welcome back @BhanukaRajapak3 Cricketer Bhanuka Rajapakshe withdraws his resignation letter handed over to Sri Lanka Cricket – SLC." Notably, Rajapaksa, cited personnel circumstances as the reason behind his decision, which had raised many eyebrows. “I have very carefully considered my position as a player, husband and am taking this decision looking forward to fatherhood and associated familial obligations,” Rajapaksa’s letter of resignation to the board read. 

Several reports stated Rajapaksa's retirement to be fueled by the new fitness guidelines for the Sri Lanka players. Notably, the cricketer ran into controversy after he publicly criticised the board and his growing differences with head coach Mickey Arthur following his omission from the team. Resultantly, he was slapped a US$ 5000 fine before gradually making his way into the national team again. 

Following his withdrawal, Rajapaksa is set to be available for the country across all formats once again. He made his T20 International debut in 2019 in Lahore against Pakistan, having so far played 18 matches for 320 runs at an average of 26.66. He debuted in the 50-over format in 2021 in Colombo against India and tallies 80 runs at 17.80 in five games.