biography

Sangakkara as a cricketer in his early days
Life in his early days

A look at Sangakkara's early years 

Kumar Sangakkara was born in Matale, Central Province, on October 27, 1977. Raised in a family passionate about sports, participated in both cricket and tennis. Based on the advice give by his school principal he decided to focus on cricket. He attended Trinity College, Kandy and excelled in academics and sports.

Sangakkara's family life

Sangakkara married Yehali, with whom he's been together since their younger days. Together, they have twin children, born in 2009, around the time Sangakkara was named captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Yehali has been a constant support throughout Sangakkara's cricketing career, accompanying him on tours, including the significant 2007 Cricket World Cup where Sri Lanka finished as runners-up.

Sangakkara with his family
The Sangakkara family
Sangakkara as a commentator

Kumar as a commentator

Sangakkara's journey beyond cricket

After retiring, Kumar Sangakkara has been active as a cricket commentator with Sky Sports and also held the position of President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) from 2019 to 2020. 

In early 2021, he took on the role of coach for the Rajasthan Royals team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sangakkara's charity work

Charity

He plays a role in initiatives to  enrich children's lives, like the Think Wise Initiative and the Foundation of Goodness.

Sangakkara being named the ambassador of anti-narcotics give by then sri lankan president Maitripala Sirisena

Awareness

As Sri Lanka's Ambassador of Anti-narcotics, he creates awareness and action against drug dependency.

Sangakkara with Mahela Jayawardene and Dharshan Munidasa starting up Minstry of Crab

Entrepreneur

Sangakkara also ventured into the culinary world, co-founding the Ministry of Crab along with Mahela Jayawardene.

Challenge

Sangakkara along with Mahela Jayawardene participated in the #ALSIceBucketChallenge by Otara Gunawardene in 2014.