'Sad day': Cricket world in mourning after devastating tragedy
Tributes are pouring in after the death of Sir Lankan cricket legend Bandula Warnapura following his death at the age of 68.
The cricket world has rallied together to mourn the death of Warnapura who became the first Sri Lankan Test captain back in 1982.
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Warnapura was an opening batsman and bowled medium pace during his four Test matches, which included facing Sir Lanka's first ever ball against England in Colombo.
He played in 12 One Day Internationals and featured in the 1975 and 1979 World Cups.
Following his Test captaincy, Sri Lanka was promoted to the highest-level of cricket.
However, Warnapura was banned from cricket in Sri Lanka after a controversial decision in 1982.
His decision to join a tour to South Africa, which was in sporting isolation because of its apartheid policies, resulted in bans from Sri Lanka's government and the national cricket board.
He was one of three players from Sri Lanka's inaugural Test XI who received life bans, which were lifted after several years.
Warnapura didn't go back into cricket by the time his ban was lifted and instead worked in broadcast and commentary.
Tributes flow for Bandula Warnapura
Tributes have poured in following Warnapura's death.
"He was an excellent cricketer, administrator, coach, commentator and, above all, a good person, and his passing away is a huge loss for the cricket community," Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva said in a statement posted Monday on Twitter.
"I am sure his name and deeds will remain in our hearts forever."
A number of high-profile cricket greats also paid their respects.
I am deeply saddened by the demise of the first #SriLankan test cricket captain, Bandula Warnapura.
My deepest condolences to his loved ones. May Mr Warnapura's contribution to #cricket be forever remembered by fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/Jbo1MuMNIC— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) October 18, 2021
Deeply saddened to hear about passing of the 1 st test captain in srilanka sir Bandula warnapura. Honored to got to know him as a True gentleman. Condolences to his family in this tough time.
— Lahiru Thirimanna (@thiri66) October 18, 2021
Sad to hear the passing of Bandula Warnapura… Was a great mentor to most of us growing up too #rip sir pic.twitter.com/WdvYON2z07
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) October 18, 2021
Sri Lanka Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Bandula Warnapura, Sri Lanka’s first Test Captain.
We wish to express our condolences to the family at this difficult time on behalf of Sri Lanka’s Cricketing fraternity.
READ:https://t.co/V1ukJxeHO8 pic.twitter.com/ORdvXT3nZT— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 18, 2021
It’s Sad to hear the news of SL first test captain Bandula Warnapura’s demise after a brief illness. Thoughts are with his wife and children.. He coached me at Nalanda and was a steady influence in my growth as a cricketer and a person. May you attain Nibbana Sir !!! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/muIfBO14cZ
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) October 18, 2021
It is a sad day that the first test captain Bandula Warnapura has played his last innings. RIP we will miss you sir . pic.twitter.com/XZEXmulkst
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) October 18, 2021
Really sadness that we hear that our 1st test captain sir bandula Warnapura has passed away.. thoughts and prayers are with his family.. may you attain nibbana sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/DfQjGnyepI
— dinesh chandimal (@chandi_17) October 18, 2021
with AAP
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