Sri Lanka sacks Charith Asalanka ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup
The announcement, made on December 19, 2025, follows a period of intense internal friction and a visible dip in the team’s on-field performance under Asalanka’s short tenure. Pramodaya Wickramasinghawho returned as chairman of the selectors, confirmed that the decision was driven by the need for experienced leadership as the country prepares to co-host the global showpiece. The move has sent shockwaves through the cricket community, especially considering the timing, with the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026.
The main catalyst for Charith Asalanka’s removal from the captaincy appears to be a combination of declining batting returns and a controversial decision to withdraw from a recent overseas assignment. Wickramasingha was blunt in his assessment, stating that Asalanka’s “poor batting form” made it necessary to relieve him of the leadership burden so that he could rediscover his batting skills as a specialist batsman.
“Shanaka’s role will be that of an all-rounder. When I stepped down as selector, Shanaka was the captain. Charith (Asalanka) was in our long-term plans then,” Wickramasingha was quoted by Cricbuzz.
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Sri Lanka names new captain in the provisional squad for the T20 World Cup
Cricket Sri Lanka named experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as the new leader of the team. With the 2026 T20 World Cup fast approaching, Shanaka’s reappointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his experience of playing in three previous World Cups and his established relationship with the head coach. Sanath Jayasuriya. The chairman of selectors noted this in consultation with Jayasuriya.
“We have decided that Dasun Shanaka should be captain until the end of the World Cup after also talking to head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. The previous committee had drawn up a list of 25 players. We have spoken to Jerome Jayaratne, the head of high performance, as well as Sanath Jayasuriya. We have decided to announce the same 25 as provisional squad for the World Cup. We consider Dasun as an all-rounder. We will have to talk to Sanath Jayasuriya and find out what is required of him.”
The preliminary 25-man squad sees the return of several notable names, including wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwellawho is eligible for multiple roles, including reserve goalkeeper and opener. The squad is a mix of explosive pace, with Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Alsohara, and a spin battery led by Wanindu Hasaranga And Mahesh Theekshana.
Along with giants like Australia and emerging 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 former glory on home soil.
Sri Lanka provisional selection for 2026 T20 World Cup
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 Thosehara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Vijayakanth and Traveen Mathew.
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