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“It’s Not in My Hand” – Shanaka Leaves Captaincy Decision to Selectors After World Cup Exit

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Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has admitted that his future as T20 skipper is no longer in his control following the team’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stating that the decision now rests entirely with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket.

“I don’t know how long I will be as captain. It’s not in my hand; it’s up to the selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket. I’m happy to lead this team. I have taken some good decisions; in the meantime, some didn’t go as planned,” Shanaka said after Sri Lanka’s 61-run defeat to New Zealand.

His remarks came at the end of a turbulent campaign that began with promise but ended in disappointment.

Tactical Misread Proves Costly

Shanaka openly acknowledged that misjudging conditions played a key role in the heavy loss to New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka elected to bowl first, expecting the fresh surface to behave similarly to earlier matches.

“We thought the pitch would be a good one because it was new. We didn’t expect it to turn that much. It was a collective decision to bowl first. Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way we thought. It became another typical Kettarama wicket where the ball spun.”

New Zealand recovered from 84 for 6 thanks to a late assault, adding 70 runs in the final four overs to reach 168 for 7 — a surge Shanaka admitted proved decisive.

“They bided their time and then exploded. Conceding 70 runs in four overs was disheartening. If we had kept them around 130, we might have had a chance.”

Batting Collapse Seals Fate

Sri Lanka’s reply faltered immediately. Pathum Nissanka fell first ball, and regular wickets derailed the chase. Only Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) showed resistance, but the target was never seriously threatened.

Shanaka did not hide his frustration.

“We have some of the best batters in the country. Everyone walks out intending to win for Sri Lanka. It’s very disappointing that we couldn’t deliver anything for our fans.”

He also reflected on the narrow defeat to England earlier in the Super 8 stage — a result that, in his view, could have changed the team’s tournament trajectory.

A Campaign of Highs and Lows

Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey started brightly with wins over Ireland, Oman and Australia. However, a shock loss to Zimbabwe in the final group game shifted momentum dramatically.

Subsequent defeats to England and New Zealand ended hopes of a semi-final berth.

With one match remaining against Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka now play purely for pride.

“I have no words for the fans to say we haven’t given them anything to cheer for. But we will look forward to ending the tournament on a high,” Shanaka concluded.

What Next for Shanaka?

Shanaka’s comments suggest uncertainty over his leadership future. While he remains willing to continue, the final call lies with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket — decisions likely to shape the next phase of Sri Lanka’s T20 rebuild.

As the curtain falls on a disappointing campaign, attention now turns to accountability, leadership direction, and whether change is on the horizon for Sri Lankan cricket

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Sri Lanka Cricket Denies Financial Crisis Claims Amid Transformation Committee Appointment

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Sri Lanka Cricket has firmly rejected recent media reports claiming that the organization is facing a financial crisis following the appointment of the Cricket Transformation Committee, stating that such allegations are “entirely false and misleading.”

In an official clarification, SLC emphasized that the Cricket Transformation Committee was appointed by the Hon. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs under the powers granted by Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, as amended.

According to SLC, once an order is issued under Section 32 of the Sports Law, the powers, administration, management, and control of the affairs and assets of the relevant sports body are legally transferred to the committee appointed by the Minister.

The organization further noted that the duly appointed Transformation Committee is fully authorized to oversee and manage all affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket, including its financial operations and obligations, until a new Executive Committee is elected.

SLC also pointed out that the appointment of the committee has already been officially published in the Government Gazette, thereby granting it full legal authority to act on behalf of the organization in all administrative and financial matters.

Rejecting claims of financial instability, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterated that its operations continue without disruption. The organization stated that all day-to-day activities, including financial and administrative functions, are proceeding smoothly under the supervision of the Transformation Committee.

SLC further assured stakeholders that all payments to suppliers, service providers, employees, players, and other parties continue to be settled on time, with no interruption to the organization’s commitments.

The statement was issued in response to growing speculation in sections of the media regarding the financial status of Sri Lanka Cricket after the recent administrative changes.

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Sri Lanka, India to Clash in Two-Test Series in August

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Sri Lanka and India are set to play a two-match Test series between August 15 and 27 as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Although the official schedule is yet to be announced, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reserved a two-week window for the series following the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League on August 9. Discussions between SLC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are continuing to finalise the venues and match dates.

The proposed tour was initially expected to include three Twenty20 Internationals as well, but there has been no confirmation regarding those matches. The T20 games were originally planned as a fundraising initiative for victims affected by Cyclone Ditwah last year.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is currently in Sri Lanka as part of an International Cricket Council delegation reviewing recent developments in Sri Lanka Cricket administration. The Sri Lankan government recently dissolved the previous SLC body and appointed an interim Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee.

Cricket scheduling remains challenging for India due to a packed international calendar later this year. India are expected to tour Bangladesh in September for a white-ball series, although the tour is still uncertain after being postponed previously because of political tensions between the two nations.

India also have commitments against West Indies and Afghanistan later in the year, along with the Asian Games in Nagoya scheduled from September 9 to October 4.

India’s international season resumes in June with a Test series against Afghanistan before tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe.

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ICC Delegation Holds Key Talks With President on Cricket Reforms

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Senior representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday as discussions intensified over the future of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.

The ICC delegation, which includes Imran Khwaja and Devajit Sakia, is currently in the country following recent changes within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Their visit comes amid growing attention on governance reforms and the restructuring of the national cricket administration.

During their stay, ICC officials also held meetings with members of the newly appointed SLC administration at the board’s headquarters, where discussions focused on restoring stability and strengthening the management framework of Sri Lankan cricket.

The latest developments follow the appointment of a nine-member Cricket Transformation Committee by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage after the resignation of the previous SLC leadership.

The committee, chaired by Eran Wickremaratne, has been entrusted with overseeing the administration of the sport and implementing a series of reforms until new elections are conducted.

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