Sri Lanka Reveal 25-Man Squad for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has unveiled its 25-member preliminary squad in preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup, with a notable change at the helm. Dasun Shanaka has been appointed captain, replacing Charith Asalanka, who has been relieved of leadership duties after a challenging tenure.

Following a disappointing campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup, Hasaranga de Silva stepped down as captain. Asalanka took over the reins in July of last year, but his time as leader failed to inspire the team to consistent results. Under Asalanka’s captaincy, Sri Lanka played 25 T20 matches, winning 11 and losing 12, leaving fans and selectors disappointed.

Sri Lanka also struggled in bilateral series against India, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Their performance in the recent Asia Cup was equally underwhelming, as they failed to reach the final.

Asalanka’s struggles were not limited to captaincy. With the bat, he managed 368 runs in 23 innings at an average of just 19.36, striking at 135 — figures that fell short of expectations for a player of his calibre. Consequently, the SLC opted not to include him in the World Cup leadership plan.

Dasun Shanaka brings experience and a steadying influence. Having captained Sri Lanka in 53 T20 matches previously, he recorded 24 wins and 27 losses, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen under pressure. His leadership is expected to blend the team’s seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, aiming to restore Sri Lanka’s competitive edge on the global stage.

The preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup is as follows:

Shanaka’s return to leadership, paired with a squad combining experience and fresh talent, signals a renewed determination to challenge the world’s best in the T20 format. Fans will hope that Sri Lanka can rediscover its winning momentum and make a strong impression in the upcoming tournament.