Early Life and Career

Mahela Jayawardene was born on May 27, 1977, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He showed great promise in cricket from a young age and made his debut for the Sri Lankan national team in 1997. Jayawardene quickly established himself as a talented batsman and became known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to score runs consistently.

Rise to Prominence

Jayawardene's career reached new heights in 2006 when he scored a double century against South Africa, becoming only the second Sri Lankan to achieve this feat. He continued to excel in all formats of the game and was instrumental in leading Sri Lanka to victory in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.

Achievements and Records

Throughout his career, Jayawardene amassed over 11,000 runs in Test cricket and more than 12,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He also holds the record for the highest partnership in Test cricket history, scoring 624 runs with Kumar Sangakkara against South Africa in 2006.

Retirement and Beyond

Mahela Jayawardene retired from international cricket in 2015 but continued to play in domestic leagues around the world. He also took up coaching roles with various teams and served as a mentor for young cricketers. In addition to his cricketing pursuits, Jayawardene is also involved in various business ventures.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Mahela Jayawardene's net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. This includes earnings from his playing career, endorsements, coaching fees, and investments in businesses.

Personal Life

Off the field, Jayawardene is known for his philanthropic efforts and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. He is married to Christina Mallika Sirisena and has two children.

Legacy

Mahela Jayawardene will always be remembered as one of Sri Lanka's greatest cricketers. His elegant batting style, leadership skills, and sportsmanship have left a lasting impact on the game of cricket. As he continues to inspire future generations of cricketers, his legacy will live on for years to come.