Chaminda Vaas is Sri Lanka’s most successful left-arm fast bowler, famous for his swing and accuracy. He played from 1994 to 2009, taking over 750 international wickets and holding the record for best ODI figures (8/19 vs Zimbabwe in 2001).
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas
- Born: 27 January 1974, Wattala, Sri Lanka
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Left-arm fast medium
- Role: Bowler
- Nickname: Vasy
International Career
- Test Debut: 26 August 1994 vs Pakistan
- Last Test: 20 July 2009 vs Pakistan
- ODI Debut: 15 February 1994 vs India
- Last ODI: 27 August 2008 vs India
- T20I Debut: 22 December 2006 vs New Zealand
- Last T20I: 20 September 2007 vs Australia
- Career Span: 1994–2009
Chaminda Vaas Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Best Figures | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 111 | 355 | 29.58 | 7/71 | 3,089 |
| ODI | 322 | 400 | 27.53 | 8/19 | 2,025 |
| T20I | 6 | 6 | 31.16 | 2/14 | 33 |
| IPL | 13 | 18 | 26.66 | 4/22 | 81 |
Highlights & Legacy
- Record ODI Figures: 8/19 vs Zimbabwe (2001) – still the best in ODI history.
- World Cup Heroics: Took a hat-trick in the first over vs Bangladesh (2003).
- 1996 World Cup Winner: Key member of Sri Lanka’s victorious squad.
- Swing Master: Renowned for late inswingers and reverse swing.
- Post-Career Roles: Bowling coach for Sri Lanka, mentor in franchise cricket.
Chaminda Vaas’ Family
Chaminda Vaas’ family includes his wife, Wasana, and their children. He is known to be a devoted family man, often seen with his wife and kids at cricket events and ceremonies.
Immediate Family
- Wife: Wasana Vaas – Married for many years, she has been a strong presence in his personal and public life.
- Children: He has children, including a son named Maneka, who has appeared with him at farewell matches.
- Parents: Raised in Wattala, Sri Lanka, his family supported his cricket journey from Colts Cricket Club to the national team.
Family Influence
- Supportive Partner: Wasana has accompanied him to press conferences and cricketing events.
- Public Appearances: His children have been seen at post-match presentations, especially during his retirement phase.
- Private Lifestyle: Despite his fame, Vaas keeps his family life relatively private, focusing on values and togetherness.
Chaminda Vaas’ Net Worth
Chaminda Vaas’ net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1 million and $10 million USD. Different sources report varying figures: some place it closer to $1 million, while others highlight his long cricket career, IPL contracts, and coaching roles that push it toward the upper range of $10 million.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Net Worth | $1M – $10M USD (varies by source) |
| International Career Earnings | Salaries from 111 Tests, 322 ODIs, and 6 T20Is (1994–2009) |
| IPL Contracts | Played for Deccan Chargers (2008–2010), earning franchise fees |
| Domestic Cricket | Represented Colts Cricket Club, Hampshire, Worcestershire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire |
| Coaching Roles | Bowling coach for Sri Lanka, mentor in franchise cricket |
| Brand Endorsements | Limited compared to batting stars, but associated with cricket gear and sports brands |
| Post-Retirement Income | Commentary, coaching clinics, and ambassador roles |
Key Income Sources
- Playing Career: Match fees and contracts from Sri Lanka Cricket.
- Franchise Cricket: IPL and county cricket stints added significant earnings.
- Coaching Career: Roles with Sri Lanka and franchise teams provide steady income.
- Ambassador Roles: Occasional endorsements and cricket development programs.
Risks & Trade‑offs
- Lower Endorsements: As a bowler, Vaas earned fewer sponsorships compared to batting stars.
- Sri Lanka Cricket Salaries: Historically lower than Indian or Australian counterparts.
- Post-Career Stability: Coaching contracts are short-term and depend on performance.
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