In the most shocking news of the day, Sri Lankan batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa has handed over his retirement letter to the SLC for the most unprecedented reason. According to trusted sources, the Sri Lankan big hitter has decided to retire from International cricket as he will not be able to cope up with the latest fitness standards that Sri Lanka Cricket introduced a few days ago.
While introducing the new rules, SLC also mentioned that players who will not be able to meet the expected fitness standards will be penalised.
Bhanuka Rajapaka thinks that if he cuts down to become any more leaner, he will lose his big hitting capabilities and thus he decides to hand in his retirement as it will take away his ‘freedom’ from him.
Just a few months ago, Sri Lanka replaced the Yo-yo fitness test with the 2 km run test. Earlier the players were expected to run 2km in 8.55 minutes but it was recently drastically decreased to just 8.10 minutes which makes it very challenging for the players.
SLC also decreased the skin fold level from 85 to 70 and this was where Bhanuka Rajapaksa had the problem mainly.
He has also mentioned family obligation as an important reason for him taking the decision. “I have very carefully considered my position as a player, husband and am taking this decision looking forward to fatherhood and associated familial obligations.”
Bhanuka Rajapaksa played 5 ODIs and 18 T20Is for Sri Lanka national cricket team with a brilliant run rate and average as can be expected.