CRICKET is in mourning after heartbreaking news that a former star of the sport has been fatally killed in a tragic shooting.

Dhammika Niroshana, the former captain of the Sri Lanka‘s Under-19 cricket team, was shot and killed at his home on Tuesday night.

The incident took place at the bowling allrounder’s home in Ambalangoda on Kanda Mawatha, as reported by local media outlets.

Niroshana was at home with his wife and two children when the assailant, armed with a 12-bore gun, carried out the fatal attack.

Law enforcement authorities swiftly responded to the scene upon receiving the distressing news, promptly sending the body for autopsy before departing.

At present, further details surrounding the incident remain undisclosed.

Niroshana, hailed as one of Sri Lanka’s finest pace bowlers to emerge from the youth system, had a promising career ahead of him.

He had the honor of captaining talented players such as Farvez Maharoof, Angelo Mathews, and Upul Tharanga during age-group cricket matches.

Despite his immense potential, Niroshana made the difficult decision to retire from the sport at the young age of 20.

Throughout his career, he showcased his skills in eight List A matches and twelve first-class games for the Galle Cricket Club, amassing over 300 wickets.

Known for his ability to both score runs and take wickets, Niroshana’s talent was evident in his performances in under-19 Test matches and One-Day Internationals.

He made his debut for Sri Lanka’s U19 team in 2000, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world.

The untimely loss of Niroshana has left a void in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts and the sporting community at large.

One of his fans stated that his legacy as a talented cricketer and a beloved figure in Sri Lankan cricket will forever be remembered.