The Minister stated this appreciating the great service done for cricket by Tillakaratne Dilshan who initially announced that he is retiring from international cricket.

“We shouldn’t forget the commitments that Tillakaratne Dilshan made as a sportsman. He began his cricket career as a middle order batsman. Similarly he is a skillful fielder. Afterwards he served as an opening batsman. Serving as an opening batsman is the most difficult task a player would have to face. However Tillakaratne Dilshan completed this task well. Tillakaratne Dilshan is really a game changing player. While he was capable of winning One-day matches he was also cable of winning Twenty Twenty matches as well. In addition Sri Lankan Cricket team was able of qualifying to the World Cup finals because of Tillakaratne Dilshan.

Today the Dilscoop shot which was introduced by Tillakaratne Dilshan is a significant shot at the Twenty Twenty matches. I personally do not appreciate this shot. However Dilshan made a change in the cricket field by introducing this shot. Correspondingly like Sanath, Murali, Kalu, Dilshan too kept a marked a major legend in the cricket field. Introducing a shot or batting is not what’s important. What’s really important is gaining scores from this batting. From this area Dilshan is very special. As a bowler he was an intelligent bowler. One of the best fielders we had in our cricket team. He was one of the best batsmen we had. In addition he was one of the best wicket keepers. He was a one of a kind all-rounder cricketer. The duty that Tillakaratne Dilshan did for the team is exceptional. I wish him all the very best. Anyhow I believe that he will continue to support cricket as a couch or as an administrator for Sri Lanka…” Former Test Cricket Captain Arjuna Ranatunga stated.

(lankahotnews.co.uk)