Hashan Prasantha Tillakaratne, widely known as Hashan Tillakaratne, is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s rise as a formidable force in international cricket. Born on July 14, 1967, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tillakaratne is recognized for his resilient batting and remarkable ability to occupy the crease.
Tillakaratne’s cricketing prowess was evident from a young age. He showcased exceptional talent while representing Isipathana College Colombo and later DS Senanayake College. At just 17 years old, Tillakaratne announced himself on the national stage by playing a match-saving century against England B in Galle in 1986.
In November of the same year, Tillakaratne made his one-day international debut against India. Three years later, he received his Test call-up and initially played as a batsman-wicketkeeper. However, it was in 1994, after relinquishing the gloves, that his true batting potential was unlocked.
Tillakaratne played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic victory in the Wills World Cup in 1996, which marked the nation’s arrival as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Following the 1999 World Cup, Tillakaratne temporarily lost his place in the national team as Sri Lanka underwent a period of rebuilding. However, his exceptional domestic performances earned him a recall in 2001.
Upon his return, Tillakaratne solidified the middle order, delivering consistent performances with the bat. In April 2003, he was appointed as the captain of the Test team. While his leadership was criticized for being defensive, Tillakaratne steered the team to a significant series victory against England later that year.
Unfortunately, his tenure as captain only produced one Test victory out of ten matches. Following a series whitewash against Australia in March 2004, he decided to step down. Despite his desire to continue his career as a batsman, he was not included in the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe.
Off the field, Tillakaratne made significant contributions to cricket and society. In the aftermath of the devastating 2004 tsunami, he was appointed as the executive director of Cricket-Aid, leading relief efforts. Furthermore, Tillakaratne ventured into politics, joining the United National Party, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest political parties. He served as the party’s organizer for the Avissawella electorate in the Colombo district.
Tillakaratne’s dedication to cricket extended beyond his playing days. He served on various committees of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, thanks to an invitation from the newly appointed president, Arjuna Ranatunga. In recognition of his contribution to the sport, he was honored with an honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in March 2008.
Moreover, Tillakaratne became the president of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers of Sri Lanka (ACUSSL) in May of the same year. His leadership and commitment to the sport continued to inspire others both on and off the field.
Hashan Tillakaratne’s remarkable journey from a promising schoolboy to an esteemed cricket player, politician, and administrator demonstrates his immense dedication to the game and his country. His legacy remains embedded in Sri Lankan cricket history, as he played an instrumental role in shaping the nation’s prominence on the international stage.
