Charith Asalanka’s captaincy of the Sri Lanka cricket team has come under scrutiny after he returned home from Pakistan during a triangular series. Dasun Shanaka, whom Asalanka had succeeded in 2023, was appointed as his replacement.
Asalanka, leading the team in the bilateral ODI series in Pakistan, reportedly pushed for the tour to be abandoned and allegedly urged some teammates to withdraw following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed nine lives. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) opposed this move and warned of strict action, insisting the team continue the tour. The final two ODIs were later rescheduled.
Ultimately, Asalanka returned to Sri Lanka, officially due to viral fever, with Shanaka taking over the captaincy. “We got him to return to Sri Lanka due to viral fever,” said Upul Tharanga, chairman of selectors, on Wednesday.
Tharanga also expressed concerns about Asalanka’s recent T20 performances, noting that Shanaka’s wider experience and consistent form made him a stronger candidate for leadership. However, he did not confirm whether Asalanka had been formally removed as captain or if Shanaka would lead Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20 World Cup in February–March, which the country will co-host with India.
(By PTI Inputs)
