Overview:
The selection committee, led by Pramodaya Wickramasingha, underlined recent form concerns around Asalanka while backing Shanaka’s World Cup pedigree.
Sri Lanka have handed the captaincy to Dasun Shanaka ahead of the T20 World Cup, marking a leadership change from Charith Asalanka as the island nation gears up to co-host the event. Selectors, announced the call and pointed to Shanaka’s recent performances and his track record in ICC tournaments.
The selection committee, led by Pramodaya Wickramasingha, underlined recent form concerns around Asalanka while backing Shanaka’s World Cup pedigree. Wickramasingha said the shift was also intended to allow Asalanka to focus ahead of Sri Lanka’s upcoming home fixtures against Pakistan and England.
The decision comes amid sustained chatter following Asalanka’s absence from Sri Lanka’s recent limited-overs tour of Pakistan, which he skipped citing security reasons after a deadly blast in Islamabad. Despite the shift in leadership, he retains his place in the squad purely as a batter.
“Shanaka will contribute as an all-rounder. When my previous stint as selector ended, he was already leading the side, and Charith was part of our long-term vision,” Wickramasingha said, stating that the selectors were not inclined towards major changes right now. “We believe he can find form again. Following consultations with Sanath Jayasuriya, we decided against making major alterations to the squad.”
Dickwella has been recalled to the squad, a move Wickramasingha said adds flexibility to team combinations. He explained that Dickwella provides options both at the top, and the secondary wicketkeeper.
Wickramasingha pointed to a change in accountability in Sri Lanka Cricket, noting that the coaching group would now shoulder greater involvement in selection calls.
“Going forward, the coach will share responsibility as a key stakeholder. In the past, accountability rested solely with the selectors, whether for success or failure. We will also put fitness benchmarks in place, and if those standards aren’t met, the responsibility will lie with the trainer.”
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pavan Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Nuwan Thushara, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana,and Traveen Mathew.