The SLC board has named Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain for the preliminary squad for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in February and March.
He replaced Charith Asalanka as the captain after the latter’s batting form. Dasun Shanaka has been considered for the leadership role after his three previous World Cups were factors in making the decision.
Charith Asalanka has been speculated out of favour since he abandoned the white-ball tour to Pakistan last month over safety concerns following a suicide bomb explosion in Islamabad that killed nine people.
The chairman of selectors, Pramodaya Wickramasingh, said, “Shanaka’s role will be of an all-rounder. When I stopped being a selector, Shanaka was the captain. Charith (Asalanka) was in our long-term plans then.”
“We hope he will regain his batting form. In consultation with Sanath Jayasuriya (the head coach), we decided it was not the time to make too many changes. So we decided to go with the same squad,” he said.
Meanwhile on speaking about the inclusion of Niroshan Dickwella’s return to the squad, Wickramasingha said he was considered for several possible roles. “As an opener, a reserve wicketkeeper or even a middle order batter.”
“Previously, it was only the selectors who got the blame or the praise for the team’s performance. We will have targets for fitness, for example. I will hold the trainer responsible if the players are not able to meet the required fitness level,” he said.
Placed in Group B, Sri Lanka will play their group stage games against Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman.
Sri Lanka will play their opening match of the ICC event against Ireland on February 08 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Sri Lanka Preliminary squad: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Vijayakanth and Traveen Mathew
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