Karachi, Mahela Jayawardena former Sri Lankan cricketing great, penned a heartfelt letter to Aravinda de Silva, celebrating his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame. Jayawardena expressed his admiration and gratitude for de Silva’s influence on his career and the impact he had on an entire generation of Sri Lankan cricketers.

According to International Cricket Council, Jayawardena, a fellow Hall of Famer, reflected on his early years idolizing de Silva, recalling his first meeting and the autograph he received as a child. He lauded de Silva’s adaptability and cricketing intelligence, which left a lasting impression on him and many young cricketers. Jayawardena reminisced about the 1996 World Cup final, highlighting de Silva’s instrumental role in Sri Lanka’s victory and how it inspired the nation, including himself as an 18-year-old watching the game.

In his letter, Jayawardena shared personal anecdotes from their time as teammates, revealing how de Silva’s guidance and cricketing insights greatly influenced his development. He admired de Silva’s batting prowess, particularly against fast bowling, and acknowledged his role in shaping the aggressive brand of cricket that Sri Lanka aspired to play.

The letter also touched upon lighter moments, including de Silva’s antics with his club teammates and his serious approach to the national team. Jayawardena emphasized de Silva’s deserving place in the ICC Hall of Fame, calling him the best batter Sri Lanka has ever produced and lauding his unmatched impact on Sri Lankan cricket.

Jayawardena’s letter is a tribute to Aravinda de Silva’s legacy as a cricketer who inspired generations and left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cricket.