Wanindu Hasaranga steps down as Sri Lanka's T20I captain

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that Wanindu Hasaranga, who became the T20I captain earlier this year, has stepped down less than seven months into his role.

This decision follows a poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where Sri Lanka failed to advance to the Super 8s, winning only one match. Under Hasaranga’s leadership, they were eliminated in the group stages after a heavy loss to South Africa and a narrow defeat to Bangladesh.

Hasaranga steps down as T20I captain

JUST IN: Wanindu Hasaranga resigns as Sri Lanka's T20I captain #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/wLIfLxJjnh

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 11, 2024

“Sri Lanka Cricket wants to inform the public that Wanindu Hasaranga has resigned as the National Men’s T20I captain,” SLC said in a statement.

“Hasaranga believes stepping down is in the best interest of Sri Lanka cricket. He will continue to play for the team,” the statement added.

In his own statement, Hasaranga said, “I will always give my best for Sri Lanka as a player and will continue to support my team and its leadership.”

Hasaranga, took over from Dasun Shanaka at the beginning of the year and led the team to series wins against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. However, after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, he decided to resign after just 10 games.

Sri Lanka has not yet named Hasaranga’s replacement.