Dasun Shanaka to lead Sri Lanka until the end of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

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Sri Lanka Cricket has officially appointed Dasun Shanaka as the T20I captain until the conclusion of the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, replacing Charith Asalanka in the role. The decision was confirmed by newly appointed chief selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe while announcing Sri Lanka’s preliminary 25-member squad for the tournament.

The move to reinstate Shanaka as captain was initially proposed by the previous selection committee led by Upul Tharanga, whose tenure ended earlier this month. Wickramasinghe stated that the decision was taken after detailed discussions with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and head of high performance Jerome Jayaratne, with the selectors opting to continue with the existing roadmap ahead of the global event.

“We decided that Dasun Shanaka should be captain until the end of the World Cup after discussions with Sanath Jayasuriya,” Wickramasinghe said. “The previous committee had already selected a pool of 25 players, and we felt it was best to announce the same squad as the preliminary World Cup squad to maintain continuity.”

Wickramasinghe added that Shanaka will be viewed primarily as an all-rounder during the tournament, with his role to be finalized in consultation with the coaching staff. Shanaka had recently served as stand-in captain during the tri-series in Pakistan, where he led the side in Charith Asalanka’s absence due to illness.

Although Sri Lanka suffered a loss to Zimbabwe during the tri-series, they qualified for the final, where they were beaten by Pakistan. Despite mixed results, the selectors believe Shanaka’s leadership experience will be crucial heading into the World Cup.

Charith Asalanka, who had captained Sri Lanka since the previous T20 World Cup in mid-2024, remains part of the squad despite being removed from the captaincy. His recent form in T20Is has been modest, scoring 156 runs in 12 innings this year at a strike rate of 122. Overall, his career T20I strike rate stands at 126. Wickramasinghe, however, confirmed that Asalanka continues to be part of the selectors’ long-term plans.

The preliminary squad also marks the return of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, who last represented Sri Lanka in March 2023 in Test cricket. According to Wickramasinghe, the selectors were keen to add a top-order batter who can also keep wickets, which brought Dickwella back into contention.

Sri Lanka’s preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup includes 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.

Sri Lanka Cricket plans to retain this core group through the World Cup before evaluating future changes, aiming for stability and consistency at the international stage.