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Chamika Karunaratne Biography | Early life, Controversies & More |

Introduction 

In the world of cricket, there are players who not only excel in their chosen sport but also possess incredible talents beyond the cricket field. Chamika Karunaratne, a name synonymous with versatility and controversy, is one such cricketer. In this biography, we delve into the life and career of Chamika Karunaratne, exploring his early days, domestic cricket journey, international career, and his intriguing off-field endeavors.

Chamika Karunaratne Early Days

Chamika Karunaratne’s journey to becoming a prominent cricketer began at Royal College, Colombo, where he pursued his primary and secondary education. His exceptional sporting abilities quickly came to the forefront as he took on the roles of captain for the athletics, badminton, and cricket teams at Royal College. Notably, he received the prestigious Royal Crown on two occasions in recognition of his outstanding achievements across multiple sports, representing his school with honor.

  • Cricket Beginnings (2008)

Karunaratne’s early cricket career commenced at Royal College in the under 13C team back in 2008. His exceptional talent shone through as he swiftly progressed to the under 13A team later that same year. He emerged as the top run-scorer among C division cricket teams, solidifying his reputation as a budding cricket star.

Chamika Karunaratne Career

  • First-Class Debut (2015)

Karunaratne made his mark in domestic cricket when he debuted for the Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club in the 2015–16 Premier League Tournament on 18th December 2015. His journey in the domestic circuit had officially begun.

  • Super Provincial Tournament (2017-18)

In March 2018, Karunaratne’s talents earned him a spot in Kandy’s squad for the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament. This was a significant step in his domestic career, providing him with valuable exposure at the provincial level.

  • SLC T20 League (2018)

His remarkable performances led to his inclusion in Kandy’s squad for the 2018 SLC T20 League in August 2018.

  • Asia Cup Preliminary Squad (2018)

In the same month, Sri Lanka Cricket named him in a preliminary squad of 31 players for the 2018 Asia Cup, a testament to his growing reputation as a promising all-rounder.

  • Super Provincial One Day Tournament (2019)

Karunaratne’s consistent contributions in domestic cricket earned him a place in Colombo’s squad for the 2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament in March 2019. His versatility and ability to adapt to different formats of the game became increasingly evident.

  • The Franchise Circuit (2021-2023)

Karunaratne’s prowess in T20 cricket saw him join various franchises around the world. In February 2022, he was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the auction for the 2022 Indian Premier League. Later, in July 2022, he signed with the Kandy Falcons for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League. His global T20 journey continued as he joined the Dubai Capitals in January 2023.

Chamika Karunaratne International Career

Karunaratne’s journey on the international stage has been marked by steady progress and significant contributions to the Sri Lankan national team.

  • Test Debut (2019)

In January 2019, he was added to Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the second Test against Australia, and he made his Test debut for Sri Lanka on 1st February 2019. His introduction to the longer format was a stepping stone in his international career.

  • ODI and T20I Debut (2021)

Karunaratne’s versatility was showcased when he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Bangladesh on 28th May 2021. Shortly after, in July 2021, he earned his Twenty20 International (T20I) cap for Sri Lanka against India on 25th July 2021.

  • T20 World Cups (2021, 2022)

In September 2021, Karunaratne was named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, marking his presence on the global T20 stage. He continued to be a part of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad in 2022.

  • Star in the Making (2023)

Karunaratne’s international journey reached new heights in March 2023 during an ODI match against New Zealand. He displayed his prowess by taking four wickets at Eden Park, Auckland, further establishing himself as a valuable asset for Sri Lanka.

Beyond Cricket: A Multi-Talented Athlete

Chamika Karunaratne is not just a cricket star; he’s a multi-talented athlete. Apart from cricket, he has excelled in javelin throw and even competed in international badminton tournaments. His family, including his father Louie Karunaratne and brothers Dinuka, Niluka, and Diluka, are all professional badminton players.

In February 2021, Chamika, along with his elder brother Niluka, who is Sri Lanka’s no. 1 badminton player, participated in the men’s singles of the Sri Lankan Badminton Nationals, showcasing his diverse sporting interests.

Chamika Karunaratne Brand Ambassadorship

In October 2022, Chamika Karunaratne took on a new role as the brand ambassador for the nutritional brand Prima Stella Diary, further expanding his influence beyond the realm of sports.

Chamika Karunaratne Controversies and Challenges

Chamika Karunaratne’s career hasn’t been without its share of controversies and challenges. His Naagin dance mocking the Bangladeshi team during the 2022 Asia Cup drew widespread attention and criticism on social media.

In November 2022, he faced a one-year suspension from all forms of cricket and a fine of US$5000 following an incident where he lit an oil lamp at his hotel during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. Reports suggested that the act had elements of superstition, raising eyebrows.

A leaked report from national chief selector Pramodya Wickremasinghe shed light on Karunaratne’s off-field activities during the T20 World Cup. The report alleged that he skipped training sessions to accommodate female companions in his hotel room and that he was more interested in socializing than focusing on his national commitments. The report also raised concerns about his involvement with a religious group that influenced the players’ actions.

The controversy surrounding his removal from the national ODI squad against Afghanistan led to discussions within Sri Lankan cricket circles. Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe expressed dissatisfaction with Karunaratne’s exclusion and requested a report from Sri Lanka Cricket.

The allegations of external influences on players and Karunaratne’s involvement with a specific religious group sparked debates about the dynamics within the team.

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Chamika Karunaratne Legacy

Chamika Karunaratne’s journey in cricket is a captivating tale of talent, versatility, and controversy. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer and athlete, his story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by modern sports stars. Karunaratne’s ability to excel not only on the field but also in various other sports highlights his multi-dimensional talents. His career has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, and the cricketing world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this enigmatic cricketer and athlete.

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