Former Sri Lanka Under-19 captain Dhammika Niroshana has been shot dead by an unidentified individual outside his home in Ambalangoda, a coastal town in Galle. He was 41.

According to Sri Lankan Police, investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the shooter.

Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa said the suspect involved with the cricketer’s murder could be linked to gang rivalry.

“Investigations are underway to arrest the suspect involved in the shooting, which seemed to be a result of a gang rivalry,” said Thalduwa.

Niroshana, survived by his wife and two children, had a promising career before his early retirement from all forms of the game in 2004.

A pacer who could also bat a bit, Niroshana was a part of Sri Lanka’s age-group sides making his U-19 debut in 2000, before captaining them briefly in 2002.

While he never played for the senior team, he did play alongside several Sri Lankan stars, including all-rounder and ex-captain Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga and Farveez Maharoof, at the U-19 and first-class levels.

At the first-class level, Niroshana played for Chilaw Marians CC and Galle CC.

However, he chose to retire from the game when he was just 21 years old.