Sripali Weerakkody becomes first female Sri Lankan player to qualify as a master trainer

“This had been my dream at the helm of my career as a female cricketer in the Sri Lankan National pool after 16 years of international cricket. Most people used to ask me why I was not to be seen on the pitch playing last year and this was the result of my absence,” the 34-year-old told bdcrictime.com.

“Now I can train any international team and travel to any countries for training with these qualifications. I would love to join with T20 teams, especially the IPL and BBL (Big Bash Leagues) because I love challenges and love to go with new strategies,” she further added.

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Weerakkody, who has a fitness company called Myrus Fitness, dedicated her certificate to her business partner Dr. Miur Jayaweera and Norman Kochannek, an Australian friend and mentor.

The right-arm seamer, one of Sri Lanka's most skillful swing bowlers, featured in 147 internationals over a 12-year career. Having made her ODI debut in 2006, Weerakkody finished with a total of 58 wickets in the format - one of only two Sri Lankan pacers to cross the 50-wicket mark. She also accounted for 31 wickets in 58 T20Is.

Weerakkody, who played three ODI and five T20I World Cups, made her last appearance for Sri Lanka in the 2018 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2018. She bowled two frugal overs against Bangladesh in her team's 25-run win.