Sri Lanka Cricket made a significant leadership change on Friday, naming seasoned all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as the captain of their preliminary 25-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This move sees Charith Asalanka relieved of the captaincy role he held briefly.
Leadership Shift: Experience Overcomes Recent Turbulence
The decision, announced by the newly returned chairman of selectors Pramodaya Wickramasingha, stems from a combination of factors. Charith Asalanka's recent struggle with batting form and Dasun Shanaka's extensive experience of having played in three previous World Cups were pivotal in the change. Wickramasingha clarified that Shanaka will serve in an all-rounder's capacity while leading the side.
"When I stopped being a selector, Shanaka was the captain. Charith was in our long term plans then," Wickramasingha stated, indicating a return to a previous leadership structure.
The Pakistan Tour Controversy and Its Aftermath
Asalanka's captaincy had been under intense scrutiny following events during the white-ball tour of Pakistan last month. After a suicide bomb explosion in Islamabad that killed nine people, Asalanka, who was leading the side, expressed safety concerns and reportedly wanted the tour abandoned. It is alleged he urged some teammates to return home.
Sri Lanka Cricket did not agree with the demand and warned of potential action. The team ultimately stayed, with the final two matches rescheduled. Asalanka later returned home before the triangular T20 series, officially due to ill health, prompting Shanaka to take over as captain for that series. His removal from the World Cup leadership is the latest development in this sequence.
Selectors Aim to Relieve Pressure on Asalanka
Wickramasingha explained that the selectors' intention is to reduce the leadership burden on Asalanka ahead of important home series against Pakistan and England. Charith Asalanka remains a part of the 25-man preliminary squad purely as a batter. "We hope he will regain his batting form," Wickramasingha added.
The selection panel, in consultation with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, decided against major upheaval. "We decided it was not the time to make too many changes. So we decided to go with the same squad," the chief selector confirmed.
Dickwella's Return and New Accountability Measures
The squad also marks the return of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella. Wickramasingha revealed that Dickwella was considered for multiple roles, including as an opener, a reserve wicketkeeper, or a middle-order batter.
In a move highlighting a new approach, the chairman of selectors announced that the coach would now share responsibility for team performance. Specific targets, such as fitness benchmarks, will be enforced. "I will hold the trainer responsible if the players were not able to meet the required fitness level," Wickramasingha asserted.
Sri Lanka finds itself in a competitive Group at the T20 World Cup, alongside Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7.
Sri Lanka's Preliminary 25-Member Squad:
Dasun Shanaka (Captain), 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 Viyaskanth and Traveen Mathew.
