T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka Removes Charith Asalanka as Captain After Pakistan Tour Abandonment

Sri Lanka has appointed Dasun Shanaka as the captain of its 25-member preliminary squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This decision comes after Charith Asalanka was removed from the captaincy, a role he held during the recent triangular series in Pakistan, which he left prematurely.

Pramodaya Wickramasingha, the returning chairman of selectors, attributed the change to Asalanka's struggles with batting form and Shanaka's extensive experience, including participation in three previous World Cups.

"Shanaka will contribute as an all-rounder. He was the captain when I previously served as a selector, and Charith Asalanka figured prominently in our long-term plans at that time," Wickramasingha stated.

Asalanka's leadership had been under scrutiny since he departed from the Pakistan tour last month. His exit followed a suicide bombing in Islamabad, which resulted in nine fatalities, and he cited safety concerns. During the preceding ODI series, Asalanka, then captain, reportedly advocated for abandoning the tour and encouraged teammates to return home. Sri Lanka Cricket disagreed with this proposal and cautioned against such actions. Ultimately, the team remained in Pakistan, with the final two matches rescheduled. Asalanka then left before the T20 series, officially due to health reasons, leading to Shanaka's interim captaincy.

Wickramasingha clarified that selectors aim to alleviate the burden on Asalanka before upcoming home series against Pakistan and England. Asalanka will remain in the squad as a batter.

"We are optimistic that he will rediscover his batting form. After consulting with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, we opted for minimal changes and retained the existing squad," Wickramasingha explained. Regarding Niroshan Dickwella's inclusion, he mentioned his potential versatility: "He is being considered as an opener, a reserve wicket-keeper, and even as a middle-order batter."

Wickramasingha also indicated that the coach will share responsibility for team performance moving forward. "For instance, we will set fitness targets and hold the trainer accountable if players fail to meet the required fitness levels," he added.

Sri Lanka is grouped with Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman in the T20 World Cup, which commences on February 7. The full squad list is as follows:

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.