Sri Lanka have appointed Dasun Shanaka as T20I captain until the conclusion of the forthcoming T20 World Cup, replacing Charith Asalanka in the leadership role. The decision comes under the new selection committee headed by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, who confirmed Shanaka’s leadership while announcing the preliminary 25-man squad for the tournament.
Shanaka, who had previously captained Sri Lanka during last month’s tri-series in Pakistan, will now lead the team through the marquee global event. Wickramasinghe emphasised the continuity of plans laid out by the previous selection committee, noting that the preliminary squad remains largely unchanged. “We decided that Dasun Shanaka should be captain until the end of the World Cup, after talking to head coach Sanath Jayasuriya as well,” he said.
Charith Asalanka, sacked as captain due to modest T20I form, remains part of the squad. He has scored 156 runs from 12 innings this year at a strike rate of 122 and continues to be in the plans of the new selectors. The move highlights the committee’s intent to balance experience with leadership and all-round contributions, with Shanaka also expected to perform in his role as an allrounder.
The preliminary squad also welcomes back Niroshan Dickwella, who last represented Sri Lanka in March 2023, providing options for the top order and wicketkeeping responsibilities. Wickramasinghe indicated that the squad aims to maintain stability ahead of the World Cup while allowing flexibility for future planning.
Sri Lanka now head into the T20 World Cup with Shanaka at the helm, seeking leadership, experience, and consistency as they look to compete on the global stage.
Sri Lanka preliminary squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Dasun Shanaka (C), 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’s group stage fixtures:
- February 8: v Ireland, Colombo
- February 12: v Oman, Pallekele
- February 16: v Australia, Pallekele
- February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo
