EXCLUSIVE

No point in just hanging around, not my style: Angelo Mathews

by Rex Clementine • Last updated on

"No regrets. I have had an outstanding four years as captain," Mathews said. © AFP

After telling his team-mates about his decision to step down as Sri Lanka captain on Wednesday morning, Angelo Mathews explained his big decision, in an exclusive interview.

As reported by Cricbuzz, Mathews stepped down from captaincy late Tuesday night, after his team's shock series defeat to Zimbabwe on Monday. "I am leaving with a heavy heart," Mathews told Cricbuzz.

"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," a tearful Mathews said.

Mathews's decision comes at a time when Sri Lanka cricket had said that it was not looking at anyone other than Mathews to take the team through till the 2019 World Cup. Mathews will address a media briefing shortly.

"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.

"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."

Mathews became the first Sri Lankan captain to lose a home ODI to Zimbabwe and the first captain to lose a series to them home or away.

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

Mathews, who became the youngest Sri Lankan captain at the age of 25, led Sri Lanka to their maiden series win in England in 2014. Under him Sri Lanka also whitewashed Australia 3-0 in a Test series.

"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."

© Cricbuzz

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