Sri Lankan T20 skipper Dasun Shanaka has expressed his deep disappointment following the team’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup, issuing a heartfelt apology to fans and urging them not to lose faith in Sri Lanka Cricket.

In an emotional message following the conclusion of the campaign, Shanaka acknowledged the frustration, hurt, and anger felt by millions of supporters across the country. The skipper admitted that despite entering the tournament with immense belief and clear plans, the team fell short of expectations.

“We came into this tournament with immense belief, clear plans, and high hopes despite the challenges we faced leading in, including the series loss to England,” Shanaka stated. “As a co-hosting nation, I truly believed we had it in us to turn things around and push deep into the tournament.”

The captain accepted full responsibility for the team’s performance, acknowledging the weight of carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire nation.

“I fully understand the frustration, the hurt, and the anger many of you feel towards the team and me,” he said. “Losing is never easy, especially when you know you carry the hopes and dreams of millions on your shoulders. I accept the criticism, the discussions, and the emotions being shared everywhere—they come from a place of deep passion for the game and our country.”

Shanaka made a humble plea to fans not to abandon Sri Lanka Cricket, emphasizing the dedication of players working hard within the system to turn the tide around and carry the legacy forward.

“No matter the stage or circumstance, I will continue to give everything I have. I have always played this game with one purpose: Sri Lanka,” he added.

Concluding his message, the skipper offered a direct apology to the nation: “I am sorry we couldn’t give you the result you deserved. Thank you for standing by us.” (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka skipper broke his own previous national record of a 20-ball fifty, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most explosive white-ball batters. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) imposed a fine of US$ 10,000 on Dasun Shanaka for breaching the terms of the player contract he entered into with SLC. 

The decision follows an incident where Shanaka, after playing for his domestic club in the ongoing Major Club Three-Day Tournament, withdrew early due to an injury. 

This is following the player submitting a medical certificate, which recommended Shanaka to rest, and hence he did not take part in the remainder of the match. 

However, on the same evening, he travelled to Dubai and participated in a franchise league match. 

This action was deemed a breach of several contractual clauses that require players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to Sri Lanka Cricket. 

During the inquiry, Shanaka acknowledged his actions and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. 

He also clarified that he did not act with dishonest intent and assured SLC that he would exercise better judgment in the future. 

Sri Lanka Cricket remains committed to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards and will continue to take necessary measures to uphold the integrity of the game. (SLC)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has imposed a fine of US$ 10,000 on former cricket captain Dasun Shanaka for breaching contractual obligations. 

Imposing the fine, the SLC states that Dasun Shanaka had requested three days’ leave citing an injury sustained during a domestic match played on 02 February 2025, but had during that period participated in a foreign franchise league match in Dubai.

Stating that it had taken into consideration the cricketer’s written response and apology, the SLC said, however, that the Executive Committee has determined that Dasun Shanaka’s actions constitute a breach of contractual obligations. 

As such, the SLC Executive Committee has decided to impose a fine of US$ 10,000 as a disciplinary measure and has instructed the cricketer to settle the fine on or before 28 February 2025.

The SLC has also warned Dasun Shanaka that a failure to comply may result in further disciplinary action. 

Former Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka reportedly suffered a neck injury while playing in Sri Lanka in February.

At the time, it was reported that the match referee had been informed that Shanaka, playing for the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), had suffered an injury during the game against Moors Sports Club.

SSC sources stated that Shanaka does not regularly play red-ball cricket but voluntarily joined the match as SSC was facing relegation and had left the game only after receiving a medical report advising him to rest.

Later that evening, he travelled to Dubai, expecting to be available for the International League T20 (ILT20) according to his contract. However, since he felt fit to play, he underwent a final medical assessment on the same night and was cleared to take the field for Dubai Capitals later that day.

However, his participation came under fire after it was revealed that he left a Premier League Tier A match of the SSC before its completion.

With conflicting reports about his injury status and departure from the SSC match, SLC conducted an inquiry to determine whether all protocols were properly followed or if any rules were violated. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka who was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup will remain as a traveling reserve with the Sri Lankan squad.

Shanaka, who injured his leg, will begin his rehabilitation with the Sri Lankan medical team in India.

His injury requires two to three weeks of recovery time and the Sri Lankan team hopes he will be an option if anyone else gets injured during the latter part of the tournament. (NewsWire)

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Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle says he hopes Sri Lanka Captain Dasun Shanaka wasn’t pushed to resign as Sri Lanka ODI captain.

He was responding to social media reports which claimed Dasun Shanaka is likely to resign. 

Taking to ‘X’, Harsha Bhogle said that there are reports that Dasun Shanaka is likely to step down as Sri Lanka’s captain.

“I hope he wasn’t pushed. He is a good man and a fine leader but it is always tricky when the captain isn’t pulling his weight,” he further said. 

Harsha Bhogle, during the Asia Cup, had questioned Dasun Shanaka’s batting form but praised his captaincy.

Also commenting on the matter, Sri Lankan commentator Roshan Abeysinghe, said, “Heard Dasun might be considering stepping down from the captaincy”.

Concerns over Dasun Shanaka’s captaincy during the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India was taken up for consideration during a meeting of the Sri Lanka Cricket selection committee headed by Pramodya Wickremesinghe today.

The selection committee met to finalize the Sri Lanka Squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, while the selectors were expected to make some key decisions, including the decision on whether or not to continue with Dasun Shanaka as captain.

Sri Lanka has not yet made any official statement over the matter. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20 skipper Dasun Shanaka will play for the Seattle Orcas in this year’s inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket in the United States of America.

The 2023 Major League Cricket is scheduled to start on July 13.

Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket denied No Objection Certificates (NOC) for both Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga following the decision to allow only two foreign league appearances for Sri Lankan players.

Dasun Shanaka has joined his team Seattle Orcas directly from Zimbabwe.

However, Wanindu Hasaranga has returned to Sri Lanka and will not play in the US league as previously scheduled. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has denied ‘No Objection Certificates’ (NOC) to Sri Lankan cricketers Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga for their participation in an overseas cricket league. 

Sri Lanka’s limited-over skipper Dasun Shanaka and star bowler Wanindu Hasaranga had requested for NOCs to participate in the inaugural edition of the United States T20 League.

Shanaka was picked by Seattle Orcas while Washington Freedom signed up star spinner Hasaranga for the inaugural edition of the Major League T20 tournament which will be played between July 13 and 30 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. 

According to the Sunday Times, SLC’s Chief Executive Ashley de Silva stated that the NOCs were denied following the Board’s decision to allow only two foreign league appearances for Sri Lankan players.

Ashley de Silva stated that the SLC has decided to allow only four leagues per year including Sri Lanka’s two leagues–Lanka Premier League (LPL) and the proposed T10 League. 

Dasun Shanaka represented the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the Dubai Capitals at the International League T20 (ILT20), making it three foreign leagues for the year.

On the other hand, Wanindu Hasaranga has already done two leagues, having represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL and the Desert Vipers at the ILT20. (NewsWire)

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