Although she is a cricketer she can be easily identified as a model as she is very fashionable and cute. She never follows any accepted fashions and creates new ones as she wishes. If anyone who is keen on women’s cricket has never forgotten Sripali Weerakkody, it is not only for her cricketing skills but also for her fashion sense as well. However, last month she announced her retirement from cricket. The Youth Observer met her to talk about her experiences.
She started to play cricket at the age of thirteen. She was a left hand batsman and right arm medium fast bowler. She had debuted in ODI cricket in December, 2006 against Pakistan and debuted in T20 cricket in 2009 also against Pakistan. Sripali had played 89 ODIs and 58 T20s. During those matches she had made 722 and 209 runs respectively. She bagged 58 and 31 wickets during her career.
Her father hails from the Western province but settled in Kandy after his marriage.
Q: You decided to retire from cricket at the end of last month. What is the reason behind that decision?
A: There was no special reason for it. But I think this is the correct time for it. So, I announced my retirement fromcricket. Also another reason was that I was thinking about our youngsters. They need more opportunities. We are not the proprietors of this sport and must give our youth the opportunity for it. I am going to do it.
Q: You are an experienced member in our team. This decision may not be an easy one for our side. Are you thinking about it?
A: Yes. I knew it. But no one can play for the whole of his or her life. We know it very well. I did it in my era. Now another one must take the wheel. I think, many young talented people can come forward to fill my vacant place in the side. They can handle it inthe future.
Q: You are qualified in the fitness field as well. We know that you have Australian qualifications in the fitness field. Would you like to talk about it?
A: Yes. I have improved my knowledge on fitness in the past. I followed a Masters degree in fitness in Australia. So, I am an upgraded fitness coach in Sri Lanka. I am happy about it.
Q: Sripali, you have planned your future well. Is fitness your future path?
A: Correct. As a player I managed my career well. I have a dream and I am working towards realising it.
Q: Who has helped and guided you in your career?
A: I had much help from my parents, relatives, and friends. During my overseas tours I saw the differences between foreign teams and us. I realised that the main difference was the strength of our minds. Then I tried to find the answer to that question. I had a chance to do it in the T 20s in Australia as well. During those tours I found how they strengthen their minds. Then I also decided to follow it.
Q: What was the duration of your course in Australia?
A: One and half years.. It developed my capacity and thinking patterns. After completing it I designed a course about fitness here. A couple of months ago I created a fitness education company with another partner in Sri Lanka. It is working well and we provide services to individuals and companies.
Q: Let’s talk about your past cricket career. How was it in the early days?
A: I was born in Kandy. Gurudeniya Vidyalaya was my school. In school, I played soft ball cricket. I was motivated to do it by my family. My brothers and sister played cricket at home My family was very supportive during my whole career. So, I was representing my school soft ball team as well.
Then I got a chance to participate in regional and national soft ball tournaments. During those tournaments I had a chance to join Malwath Sports Club. Samantha Sudarshana sir is the first official who helped me to practice leather ball cricket in the past.
Then I played in his team. The team’s name was changed to Kandyans. During that period, I and another two players in our team were selected for the national women’s pool in Sri Lanka.
It totally changed my life and I was selected for the National Women’s Cricket team in 2004. From then on, until I announced my retirement last month, I played in the national side continuously.
Q: What are the most memorable moments in your career?
A: The match against Pakistan in the 2010 World Cup qualifying tournament was a remarkable moment in my career. Pakistan needed to get seven runs for their win. I had to face that challenge as a bowler in my side. When I bowled my first ball our wicket keeper missed the ball and our opponents collected four byes. We were too pressurised in that situation and finally I was able to help us win.
As a batsman I had a challenge to score winning runs in a match against the Indian team in 2018. Within the last over I achieved it. It is a moment I will never forget in my cricket career.
Q: Who are the players who inspired your game?
A: In the past, Arjuna Ranatunga and Andrew Symonds were my favourite players. After their retirement Mahela Jayewardene, Lasith Malinga and Virat Koli have inspired me. And out of them I think Virat is the player who influenced my career the most..
Q: What is the reason for it? Steven Smith did not not impress you?
A: He is the greatest player I hve ever seen. But I was trying to find out players in the Asian region too. But, Koli is the most powerful cricketer physically and mentally.
Q: What about marriage?
A: For the last 15 years I have been totally focused on the game. And now I want to focus on my fitness work. Marriage will be in the future.
Q: What advice would you give our youth?
A:. I want to say face your challenges. Never give up the fight.. If you fight you will never be defeated in your challenges. Be strong mentally and physically. Also,please be honest. In this way, you will certainly win in life.