A few weeks before a stunning administrative coup ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officially undressed Charith Asalanka of captaincy.
Sri Lanka sacks Charith Asalanka ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
The announcement, made on 19 December 2025, follows strong internal friction and a marked decline in the team’s on-field performance during Asalanka’s short tenure. Pramodaya Wickramasinghareturning as chairman of selectors, confirmed the decision that experienced leadership is needed as the nation prepares to host the global showpiece. The move has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, especially considering the tournament is scheduled to start on February 7, 2026.
The main catalyst behind Charith Asalanka’s removal from captaincy was a combination of declining batting returns and a controversial decision to withdraw from his last overseas assignment. Wickramasingha was blunt in his assessment, stating that Asalanka’s “poor batting form” necessitated relieving him of the leadership burden to allow him to rediscover his touch as a specialist.
“Shanaka’s role will be comprehensive. Shanaka was the captain when I stopped being a selector. Charith (Asalanka) was in our long-term plans then.” Cricbuzz reported this with reference to Vikramasingha.
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Sri Lanka has named a new captain in the initial squad for the T20 World Cup
Cricket Sri Lanka called the veteran all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as the new leader of the squad. With the 2026 T20 World Cup fast approaching, Shanaka’s reappointment is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on his experience of playing in the previous three World Cups and the relationship he has built with the head coach. Sanath Jayasuriya. Chairman of Selectors noted in consultation with Jayasuriya.
“After talking to head coach Sanath Jayasuriya as well, we have decided that Dasun Shanaka will be the captain till the end of the World Cup. The previous committee had selected a list of 25 players. We have spoken to head of high performance Jerome Jayaratne as well as Sanath Jayasuriya. We have decided to announce Dasun Shanaka as the first 25 player for the World Cup. As an all-rounder. We need to talk to Sanath Jayasuriya and find out what is required of him.”
The initial 25-man squad sees the return of several notable names, including goalkeeper-outfielder. Niroshan DikwelaDesigned for multiple roles including backup goalkeeper and goalkeeper. The squad is a mix of explosive pace with Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thuhara. Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana.
Joined by giants like Australia and rising teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland, Sri Lanka’s path through the group stages will require the tactical maturity Shanaka is known for as the co-hosts look to replicate their past glory on home soil.
Preliminary squad for Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026
Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dikwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Rathnayake, Nuwan Thuhara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Vijayakanth and Traveen Mathew.
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