Sri Lanka’s first Test cricket captain Bandula Varnapura died at the age of 68 in a city hospital in Colombo on Monday. According to local media reports, Warnapura’s right leg was amputated earlier this month after he was diagnosed with high sugar levels, disrupting his blood circulation.
An opener with a solid technique, Warnapura was also a capable medium pace bowler.
Not only did he lead the Sri Lankan team in their first Test match against England in February 1982, he also faced the first ball and scored the first run for the island nation. He also holds the rare record of opening and bowling (2nd innings) in the same game.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) expressed condolences.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bandula Vernapura, Sri Lanka’s first Test captain,” SLC chief Shammi Silva said in a statement.
“He was an outstanding cricketer, administrator, coach, commentator and above all a good human being and his passing is a great loss to the cricketing community.
“However, I am sure that his name and deeds will remain in our hearts forever. May he attain the ultimate bliss of Nirvana,” the statement read.
A passionate hero of Sri Lankan cricket, Varnapura represented his country in four Tests and 12 ODIs between 1975 and 1982.
He did a commendable job of leading Sri Lanka in his formative years.
However, he was banned for life from Sri Lankan cricket after he decided to tour apartheid South Africa with a rebel team in 1982–83.
He later served as the coach of the national team as well as an administrator in Sri Lanka cricket.
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