Sri Lanka’s Cricket Crisis: Fewer Tests and Rising Concerns

GALLE, Sri Lanka — As Sri Lanka prepares for their first Test match of 2025, former captain Angelo Mathews has raised concerns about the decreasing number of Test matches scheduled for the team, particularly as they are set to play just four Tests this year. This marks the lowest number for Sri Lanka since 2013, excluding the Covid-affected 2020 season.

In a recent statement, Mathews expressed disappointment over the disparity in Test allocations. “I think it’s quite sad to be honest,” he said. “The younger generation are urging for more Test cricket. Test cricket is obviously the pinnacle of cricket. We all should push for more Tests.” Mathews highlighted that nations like England, India, and Australia are playing more than 15 Test matches each year, while Sri Lanka is limited to 12 throughout this World Test Championship cycle.

Mathews, who has participated in 118 Tests, announced his decision to retire following this match, citing the lack of future matches as a key reason. He explained, “After this, we’ll be having our next assignment in Test cricket after a year’s time, that is a very long wait.” This comment emphasizes the urgency for the board to reconsider their schedule.

Current Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has also voiced similar frustrations. “We had a big chance to get to final but unfortunately we couldn’t do it,” he remarked after examining the team’s previous performance. With a series of defeats in crucial matches during the 2023-25 cycle, Sri Lanka finished sixth in the standings.

De Silva insists that adapting to circumstances is necessary. “Our job as professionals is to adapt to any situation. We have to play the situations we’re given,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing their domestic players effectively, citing the recent success in Sri Lanka’s National Super League as a positive development.

Despite the challenges ahead, the team is committed to making the most of their limited opportunities and aiming to secure vital wins. Mathews concluded, “We deserve to play Test cricket, just like Australia, India, and England.” As they approach their first match, the future of Test cricket in Sri Lanka hangs in the balance.