Sri Lanka Put Asalanka’s T20 Captaincy Under Review After Pakistan Exit

Selectors cite form concerns after his illness-related return.

Overview

Chief selector Upul Tharanga said Charith Asalanka flew home with a viral fever and remains captain in their plans for now.
Tharanga acknowledged the T20I leadership could change, with a call to be made after the ongoing series.
Dasun Shanaka has been appointed stand-in captain for the T20 tri-series in Pakistan that includes Zimbabwe.
Selectors pointed to a dip in Asalanka’s recent T20 output and noted Shanaka’s broader experience in the format.
Media reports said Asalanka urged abandoning the tour after a deadly Islamabad bombing; officials still include him in plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.