Right time for a change in captaincy, feels Angelo Mathews

After quitting his post of the captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team on Wednesday, Angelo Mathews spoke to Cricbuzz and explained his massive call. Mathews took the big decision late at night on Tuesday following the series defeat against Zimbabwe on Monday.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Mathews said that the decision of stepping down has not been an easy one for him but he has no regrets. He also mentioned that he had a wonderful stint of 4 years as the captain of the national team and karma is something he believes in.

“I am leaving with a heavy heart,” “But no regrets. I have had an outstanding four years as captain. I have been accused of various things by people, but I am telling you that I have always been honest and given 100 percent. I believe in karma,” said Mathews.

Mathews decided to resign from his post even through Sri Lankan cricket was relying on him to carry the burden of the team till the 2019 World Cup. Mathews will be attending a media briefing in the coming days.

“I had got great support no doubt. But I think the time is right to go. Let some fresh thinking come in. I wanted to step down a year ago as well. But at that point there was no one to take over. Now I feel that there are candidates who can take over the captaincy and who are ready for the job. No point in just hanging around in the job. Not my style anyway,” Mathews said.

On his decision to quit captaincy:

The 30-year-old all-rounder stated that he took time to take a call on his captaincy. He mentioned that he wanted to give his successor enough time to adapt to the situations and prepare well for the 2019 World Cup.

“After the loss I had a deep think about it. No doubt it was a bitter pill to swallow as we didn’t expect it. I was very very disappointed because I set myself and the team high standards. My personal opinion was that we needed a change. I felt that I needed to leave enough time for my successor to gel with the team on his way to the 2019 World Cup. That was the only thing in my mind. If I leave a year from now, it won’t be nice. This is the right time for change. Whoever is going to lead the side, I will give my fullest support.”

Angelo Mathews now holds the unwanted record of being the first Sri Lankan captain to lose a series against Zimbabwe. He mentioned that it is a very shameful tag for him but Zimbabwe is a brilliant team.

“It is very painful for me. I feel sorry for our supporters. No disrespect for Zimbabwe, they are such a fine team.”

After becoming the Sri Lankan skipper at the age of 25, Mathews led the Lions to a series victory in England in 2014, which was the first ever in their history. Sri Lanka also had a clean sweep against the Aussies in a Test series under his captaincy.

“To win a series in England and to become the first captain to do so was fantastic. We won the Asia Cup as well just prior to that. Whitewashing Australia was equally special as we had only won one game against them previously.”

“I would like to thank Jesus for being with me during good and bad times and for blessing me abundantly. I would like to thank my family, my parents and my siblings. Past and present administrators, past and present selectors, my team. I have a long list. I would like to thank the public as well and the media.” concluded Angelo Mathews.