Hasaranga resigns as Sri Lanka’s T20I Captain

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Sri Lanka’s Men’s T20I Captain Wanindu Hasaranga announced his resignation from the captaincy yesterday.

In his resignation letter, Hasaranga said that stepping down from the captaincy is in the best interest of Sri Lanka Cricket, opting to continue serving the team 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,” said Wanindu Hasaranga in his resignation letter.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has accepted his resignation, emphasising that Hasaranga will remain a crucial player in their international cricketing plans.

Hasaranga was appointed as T20I Captain in December last year, leading the team to victory in three bilateral series, despite facing criticism for the team’s disappointing exit in the T20 World Cup and some disciplinary issues.

While Charith Asalanka, the current Vice-Captain of the T20 side, is likely to assume the captaincy role, SLC has yet to officially name a new captain for the T20I team.
Hasaranga’s decision comes ahead of the upcoming white-ball series with India. The Indian National Cricket Team is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on July 22 for a series comprising three T20Is followed by three ODIs.

The series kicks off with the first T20I on July 26 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, followed by the second T20I on July 27 and the third T20I on July 29, all at the same venue.
The ODIs will commence on August 1 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, with the second ODI scheduled for August 4 and the final ODI on August 7, both in Colombo.