Dhaka: Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara said Monday that this is the right time for him to retire and he wants to go out with a bang by winning the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.
The wicketkeeper-batsman had announced over the weekend that he will hang up his boots from the shortest version of the game after the World T20. The 36-year-old also thanked his fans, adding that his decision will give the selectors more time to build the team for the next World T20.
"Thanks for all the msgs. Right time for me to retire. Gives the selectors more time to build for next T20 WC. Hope to leave with a win!" Sangakkara tweeted.
He was wished by former teammate and all-rounder Farveez Maharoof.
"@KumarSanga2 good luck champion! Hope you leave with a bang in #t20i #legend."
Sangakkara immediately replied by thanking Maharoof: "@farveezmaharoof Thanks mate!"
Former captain Mahela Jayawardene also announced Monday that he too will retire from T20Is after the showpiece event which concludes April 6.
Sri Lanka have twice reached the final of the World T20, having lost both to Pakistan (2009) and the West Indies (2012).
