By Bipin Dani
Hasanka Fernando, a cricket lover from Sri Lanka, shares his enduring passion for the sport.
“Since my childhood, I’ve been deeply interested in cricket. I truly enjoy watching matches and playing with my friends. My love for cricket goes beyond just playing and spectating; I have collected countless photographs of cricketers over the years,” says Hasanka.
Reflecting on his journey, Hasanka reveals, “When I played for my school team, I dreamed of becoming a national player. My jersey number, 23, has always held special significance for me. Today, I continue to play in inter-bank matches and for my sports club, proudly wearing the same number. Although I couldn’t achieve my dream of playing for the national team, my love for cricket has found other outlets.”
His passion for the sport led him to create his own artwork depicting Sri Lankan players. “Over time, my creations gained recognition on social media, which allowed me to meet many national team players and gift them my artwork as souvenirs,” he recounts. “I now have a large collection of photographs taken with these cricket stars, along with an extensive jersey collection from various players.”
Despite not reaching his dream of playing at the national level, Hasanka remains optimistic about his journey. “There are still a few players I hope to meet in the near future, but this journey is far from over. Cricket is my life, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped me pursue my dreams,” he concludes.
Through Hasanka’s story, we witness the profound impact cricket can have on an individual’s life, turning childhood dreams into lifelong passions.
