Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed Dasun Shanaka as captain of the national Twenty20 team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The announcement was made by newly appointed Selection Committee Chairman Pramodya Wickramasinghe at a media briefing held at Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters yesterday.
Wickramasinghe stressed that team selections will be made independently, without external influence.
“No one can influence our selections. The committee, coach and captain discuss together to make the best possible decisions, and that will remain our policy,” Wickramasinghe said. He added that his appointment to the role followed standard procedure with the approval of the Sports Minister and was not politically motivated.
“There was no political influence behind my appointment. We will continue to work independently and always aim to select the best possible team,” he said.
Wickramasinghe confirmed that Sri Lanka will continue with a 25-member preliminary squad, selected by the previous selection committee, through to the T20 World Cup. Shanaka, an experienced campaigner with prior World Cup leadership exposure, has been entrusted with guiding the side through the global tournament.
“We are confident in Dasun Shanaka’s leadership as we enter a crucial phase of our T20 journey,” Wickramasinghe noted.
Shanaka will also lead Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan and England, though a decision on the ODI captaincy is yet to be finalised. Wickramasinghe said Charith Asalanka remains a key player despite a recent dip in form in the T20 format.
“Charith is a quality player. He has gone through a difficult patch, but we believe he will return to form soon,” he said.
The extended preliminary squad will allow team management to assess player fitness, combinations and form in the lead-up to the tournament, with the final squad to be named closer to the event.
Wickramasinghe also highlighted the importance of collaboration with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the High Performance Centre (HPC).
“I have played alongside Sanath Jayasuriya and it is easy to work with him. Sri Lanka Cricket has given us full support, and we are committed to making this work,” he said.
Addressing the pressures faced by selectors, Wickramasinghe said responsibility must be shared.
“When the team wins, no one appreciates the selectors. When they lose, we are blamed. This time, we want coaches and trainers to share responsibility in building players,” he said.
While the immediate focus remains the T20 World Cup and upcoming bilateral series, Wickramasinghe outlined plans for long-term development.
“Our long-term goal is to identify the best 45 players based on performance and work closely with the HPC coaches. Facilities such as the new indoor nets give players every opportunity to improve fitness, skills and game awareness,” he said.
The new selection committee includes Vinothen John (Junior Selection Committee Chairman), Rasanjali de Alwis (Women’s Selection Committee), and former selectors Indika de Saram and Tharanga Paranavithana. Wickramasinghe noted that the inclusion of a women’s representative is a first under the new constitution and will help streamline selections across all levels.
Preliminary Squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Ratnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Ratnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew.