Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has raised concerns about the diminishing importance of Test cricket in Sri Lanka’s international schedule. He has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to address these disparities, which he believes jeopardize the future of the longest format of the game.
Mathews’ comments come as Sri Lanka faces a sharp decline in the number of Test matches scheduled for the coming years. In 2025, Sri Lanka has only four Tests lined up, followed by six in 2026—a significant reduction compared to earlier schedules. This trend reflects a global shift toward prioritizing shorter formats like ODIs and T20s, which are seen as more commercially lucrative.
The limited schedule has frustrated Mathews, a stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket, who views Test cricket as vital to the game’s legacy. Sri Lanka will kick off 2025 with a two-Test series against Australia, crucial for their standing in the World Test Championship. Five months later, they are set to play another two-Test series against Bangladesh. After that, there is a long hiatus in the Test calendar until mid-2026, which Mathews fears will hinder the team’s growth and the players’ development.
In 2026, Sri Lanka has only three series scheduled: two Tests each against the West Indies in June, India in August, and Pakistan between October and November. Mathews, who is nearing the twilight of his career, is particularly disheartened as the reduced opportunities could cost him the chance to reach the coveted 10,000-run milestone in Tests.
Mathews has so far amassed 8,042 runs in 116 matches, including 16 centuries and 44 half-centuries, placing him behind legends Kumar Sangakkara (12,400 runs) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814 runs) in Sri Lanka’s Test run-scorers list. However, with a gap of 1,958 runs to the 10,000-run mark and a dwindling number of matches, achieving this milestone seems increasingly unlikely.
Speaking on the matter, Mathews lamented, “It is very sad that I haven’t been able to play more Test matches. Cricket is about rhythm, and long breaks disrupt everything, affecting not only my career but also the team’s performance. I hope the ICC and SLC [Sri Lanka Cricket] address this issue and create a more balanced schedule.”
Mathews’ concerns underscore a broader issue in international cricket, where smaller cricketing nations are often sidelined in favor of high-profile teams. The ICC’s Future Tours Program (FTP) has been criticized for disproportionately favoring nations like India, Australia, and England, leaving others with limited opportunities to compete at the highest level.
As Sri Lanka prepares for its upcoming matches, Mathews’ call for a more equitable schedule echoes the sentiments of many in the cricketing world who believe that the preservation of Test cricket is essential for maintaining the sport’s rich history and legacy.
