Dilshan steps into politics, joins Rajapaksa's party

Sri Lanka legend Tillakaratne Dilshan has joined the newly-formed political party of former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa named Sri Lanka People’s Party.

The 42-year-old is expected to contest Parliamentary election supporting former president Rajapaksa. He will run for a seat in parliament from the southwestern Kalutara district.

He is not the first Sri Lankan cricketer to enter politics. World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga was a cabinet minister in the Wickremesinghe's government.

Dilshan made his last appearance for Sri Lanka in 2016. He played 497 international matches, amassing 17671 runs across all three formats.