India, July 17 -- Former Sri Lankan cricketer Dhammika Niroshana, 41, was shot dead at his residence in Ambalangoda, a small town in Galle district, on Tuesday night (July 16), reported local media.

According to local police, Niroshana was with his wife and two children when an unidentified person opened fire at him. Police are yet to nab the suspect. A thorough investigation is currently on, but the motive behind the crime remains unclear.

A right-arm fast bowler who was more than a handy batter down the order, Niroshana was rated as a rising talent during his playing days.

He played 12 first-class games and 8 List A matches for the Galle Cricket Club between 2001 and 2004, scoring more than 300 runs and picking up 19 wickets.

He mad...