Wanindu Hasaranga resigns as Sri Lanka T20I captain after T20 World Cup debacle

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that Wanindu Hasaranga has stepped down as the National Men’s T20I captain in the wake of the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.

In his resignation, Hasaranga expressed that his decision was made in the best interest of Sri Lanka Cricket. He emphasized his commitment to the team and his desire to contribute as a player. “Sri Lanka will always have my utmost best efforts as a player, and I will support and stand by my team and leadership as always,” Hasaranga stated in his resignation letter.

The SLC, while accepting his resignation, acknowledged Hasaranga’s importance to the team. “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to state that Hasaranga will remain an important player for us in our international cricketing plans,” the statement read. The team’s struggles at the T20 World Cup have led to significant changes within the coaching staff as well. Head coach Chris Silverwood had earlier resigned, citing personal reasons. The 49-year-old former England coach was thanked by SLC for his “valuable contributions during his tenure.”

Under Silverwood’s guidance, Sri Lanka experienced mixed results. The Wanindu Hasaranga-led side won only one match at the T20 World Cup, against the Netherlands, and failed to advance past the group stage, finishing behind South Africa and Bangladesh.

Silverwood, who took over in April 2022, did lead Sri Lanka to victory in the T20 Asia Cup later that year and to the final of the 50-over Asia Cup in 2023. However, the team failed to make it to the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup in 2022 and last year’s 50-over World Cup. Additionally, former skipper Mahela Jayawardena resigned as “consultant coach” on Wednesday, further signaling a period of transition for Sri Lanka Cricket.