“Don’t give up on Sri Lanka Cricket”; Dasun Shanaka’s heartfelt plea to fans

Emotional T20 captain Dasun Shanaka has expressed his disappointment on how the 2026 T20 World Cup campaign ended for Sri Lanka after yesterday’s defeat to New Zealand in Colombo.

Sri Lanka crashed out of the World Cup following a 61-run defeat to New Zealand at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo yesterday (25).

Chasing a modest 169-run target, the Dasun Shanaka-led team was bundled out for just 107, suffering their second consecutive Super eight round defeat and becoming the first team eliminated at this stage.

Captain Shanaka in a Facebook post said he is disappointed that he could not deliver the results the Sri Lankan cricket fans hoped for.

“I share your disappointment with how this World Cup campaign ended for us,” Shanaka said, “As a team, 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,” he added.

Skipper Shanaka stressed that aa a co-hosting nation, he truly believed that the team had it in it to turn things around and push deep into the tournament.

Shanaka added, “I fully understand the frustration, the hurt, and the anger many of you feel towards me and towards the team. All I humbly ask is that you do not give up on Sri Lanka Cricket, or on the players who are working hard within the system and trying their best to turn the tide around and to carry this legacy forward.”

“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. No matter the stage or circumstance, I will continue to give everything I have,” Dasun Shanaka said.

The Sri Lanka skipper also said, “I have always played the game with one purpose: Sri Lanka. I am sorry we couldn’t give you the result you deserved.”