Captain Dasun Shanaka has urged fans not to give up on cricket in Sri Lanka after the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. On Wednesday the co-hosts suffered a 61-run defeat to New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and crashed out of the tournament. This is the fifth consecutive T20 World Cup in which Sri Lanka have failed to reach the semi-finals.
Prior to the tournament, Sri Lanka lost 3–0 to England in a warm-up series. They started the World Cup with three consecutive wins, but then lost their momentum. Shanaka said that despite giving their best, the team could not live up to expectations and urged fans not to lose faith in Sri Lankan cricket.
“I am deeply sorry for everyone that this World Cup did not end as we expected. Although we faced many challenges before the tournament including losing the match against England, as the host country we approached this tournament with very clear plans and strong confidence. I really believe that we can turn this situation around and move forward in the tournament,” Shanaka wrote on Facebook.
“I know very well the heartbreak, pain and anger in you towards me and the team. I humbly request you not to lose faith in Sri Lankan cricket or the players who are determined to continue our cricketing legacy,” Shanaka wrote.
‘IT IS NOT EASY TO STAND DEFEAT’
Shanaka acknowledged the fans’ disappointment and humbly accepted the criticism, stressing that it came from their loyalty to Sri Lankan cricket. Shanaka assured that he always gives his best for the country and plays with the nation’s pride in mind. He thanked the fans for their unwavering support even though the team was not enough to win.
“It is not easy to take defeat when a million people are dreaming of victory. I humbly accept all the criticism and comments that are posted at this time and know that it is all because of your strong loyalty to our country’s game.”
“No matter what situation I am in, I will always not hesitate to give my best for the country. I have always played for the same purpose. That is for Sri Lanka. I am sorry that I could not give you the victory that you expected. Thank you to all Sri Lankans for being with our team every day,” Shanaka added.
Sri Lanka will now look to salvage some pride when they take on Salman Agha’s Pakistan in their final Super 8 encounter on Saturday, February 28 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 26, 2026
