Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Charith Asalanka as their new T20I captain. This decision comes ahead of the three match T20I series against India, the T20 World Cup 2024 champions starting on July 27 in Pallekele.

Asalanka steps into the role after Wanindu Hasaranga resigned following Sri Lanka’s poor performance at the T20 World Cup 2024. The SLC board has not yet officially announced Asalanka’s new role.

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Harin Fernando has approved a 16 member squad for the series against India. The team mixes young talent with experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal and Chamindu Wickremesinghe.

Key players in the T20I squad

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Janith Perera, known for their explosive batting, are included in the squad. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka will strengthen the middle order, while Wanindu Hasaranga will provide spin options against India.

Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana will boost Sri Lanka’s bowling with a mix of spin and pace. Experienced players like Chandimal and Avishka Fernando will be key in tough situations.

The pace attack will be led by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara, with Binura Fernando and the young all rounder Wickremasinghe offering extra bowling options. Young all rounder Dunith Wellalage has also made the squad.

“The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has chosen the 16-member squad for the T20I series against India, approved by Minister of Sports Harin Fernando. The games will take place on July 27, 28, and 30 at PICS, Pallekele.” SLC stated

Schedule for T20I and ODI series

The T20I series will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 27, 28, and 30. The ODI series will follow on August 2, 4, and 7 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s T20 squad for India series

Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.

In a move to promote women’s cricket and ensure widespread support, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free entry for spectators for the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup starting from July 19.

Details of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup

The ninth edition of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup is set to take place in Sri Lanka, with all matches hosted at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. The tournament, running from July 19 to July 28, will feature eight teams: Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, Malaysia, and Thailand. This highly anticipated event will serve as a key competition ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.

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Sri Lanka Cricket’s initiative

By offering free entry to all matches, SLC aims to fill the stands and create an electrifying atmosphere for the players. According to SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratne, the board is committed to hosting a successful tournament that will elevate women’s cricket on the global stage.

“Sri Lanka Cricket, with the support of the Asian Cricket Council, is planning to conduct a highly successful tournament, as a successful outcome of this tournament will help advance women’s cricket on the world stage,’ said Ravin Wickramaratne in a press release.

Group Divisions and Fixtures

The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. The tournament will kick off with the UAE facing Nepal, followed by a high-stakes match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

India’s campaign kickoff

India, the defending champions, will begin their campaign against Pakistan. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. India’s dominance in the tournament, having won seven out of the eight editions, adds to the excitement and pressure for both teams.

Tournament Format

The Women’s T20 Asia Cup will feature a total of 15 matches, culminating in the final on July 28. The tournament’s T20 format is not only fast-paced and exciting but also serves as a preparation ground for the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. Teams will be looking to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the global event.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the schedule for their upcoming series against India at home. The series will feature three T20Is and three ODIs.

India’s team, led by new coach Gautam Gambhir after replacing Rahul Dravid will be taking part in their first matches since winning the T20 World Cup. Currently, they are playing a five match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

India is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on July 22, with the T20I series starting on July 26 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The second and third T20Is will follow on July 27 and 29 respectively all at Pallekele.

After the T20Is, the action will move to Colombo for the ODI series. The first ODI is slated for August 1, followed by the second on August 4, and the third on August 7, all to be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

IND vs SL schedule and venues

Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga steps down after a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024

This tour marks India’s first visit to Sri Lanka since 2021, when they played 4 T20Is and 3 ODIs. India won the T20I series 3-1 but lost the ODI series 2-0.

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

“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.

The T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to kick-start on June 2nd, promising to be an electrifying tournament with 20 teams vying for the ultimate glory. This edition marks a historic milestone, featuring the largest number of participating teams and being hosted across two diverse locations: the USA and the West Indies.

Among these teams, Sri Lanka stands out as a potential dark horse, ready to leverage their well-rounded bowling attack and balanced side under the leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: 3 key players to watch out for from South Africa

Sri Lanka’s Journey in T20 World Cups

Sri Lanka’s history in T20 World Cups has been a mix of highs and lows. They clinched the title in 2014, showcasing their potential to perform on the big stage. Despite some inconsistent performances in subsequent tournaments, Sri Lanka has always been known for its fighting spirit and ability to surprise stronger teams. Sri Lanka will kick off their campaign against South Africa on June 3rd in New York.

3 Sri Lanka’s players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2024

Sri Lanka’s success will heavily rely on the performances of a few key players who have proven themselves time and again in international cricket.

1. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka, a stable opening batter, is one of Sri Lanka’s mainstays at the top of the order. His ability to adapt to different conditions and provide solid starts is crucial for the team’s success.

Nissanka is closing in on 2500 T20 runs, with over 50 sixes and 250 fours. His consistency at the top of the order is vital for Sri Lanka’s success.

Nissanka’s stability allows other aggressive players like Kusal Mendis to play freely. His ability to bat through the innings provides a solid platform for Sri Lanka.

2. Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga, the captain and spin-bowling all-rounder, is the backbone of the Sri Lankan team. His prowess with the ball and crucial runs with the bat make him indispensable.

Hasaranga has taken 243 wickets in 175 matches with an impressive average of 16.77. His economy rate of 6.76 underlines his control and effectiveness.

Hasaranga’s leadership will be pivotal in guiding Sri Lanka. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s aspirations.

3. Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana is Sri Lanka’s go-to bowler in the death overs. His ability to bowl at high speeds and pick up wickets makes him a key player.

Pathirana has 71 wickets in T20s at an average of 19.28. His knack for picking wickets in the last four overs makes him a crucial asset for the team.

Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their balanced bowling attack and experienced batting lineup. With players like Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings and Wanindu Hasaranga providing crucial breakthroughs, the team is well-equipped to handle the pressures of the tournament.

Lahiru Thirimanne, a former batsman for Sri Lanka’s cricket team, was hospitalized following a traffic accident in the Thirapanne area of Anuradhapura. The incident occurred when his vehicle collided with a lorry coming from the opposite direction around 07:45 am local time on Thursday (March 14), resulting in significant damage to Thirimanne’s car.

Reports from Sri Lankan news outlet Ada Derana indicate that Thirimanne was not the sole individual injured in the accident. Three other passengers in the car, along with the lorry driver and another person, were also admitted to the hospital.

Thirimanne is currently receiving treatment at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, fortunately with only minor injuries. Thirimanne served Sri Lanka’s international cricket for over a decade, participating in all three formats before retiring in 2023. His final appearance for Sri Lanka was in 2022 during the Bengaluru Test against India.

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Thirimanne hospitalized: cricket career recap

Throughout his career, he played 44 Tests, 127 ODIs, and 26 T20Is, accumulating notable statistics. In Tests, he scored 2088 runs, including three centuries and ten half-centuries. In ODIs, he amassed 3194 runs, featuring four centuries and 21 half-centuries, while in T20Is, he contributed 291 runs.

Thirimanne played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s victory at the T20 World Cup in 2014 and participated in two more T20 World Cups, along with two ODI World Cups. He also captained Sri Lanka in five ODIs. Reflecting on his retirement, Thirimanne expressed gratitude to the cricket community, acknowledging their support throughout his career. He emphasized his commitment to the game and his country, despite facing numerous challenges along the way.

As the SL vs AFG ODI series approaches, Sri Lanka has announced its squad for the matches commencing on February 9, 2024. Leading the team will be Kusal Mendis, with Charith Asalanka serving as vice-captain. Notably, former captain and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been omitted from the lineup, as the team aims to maintain the winning momentum from their recent ODI series victory against Zimbabwe.

The squad boasts established players like Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Avishka Fernando, alongside emerging talents such as Shevon Daniel and Janith Liyange. Renowned for its spin prowess, Sri Lanka’s squad features key spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dhananjaya, and the promising Dunith Wellalage, who impressed during the Asia Cup 2023.

Absent from the squad is all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva, last seen representing Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup 2023. In his place, Chamika Karunaratne joins the team to bolster the pace bowling unit, alongside Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Pramod Madushan. Matheesha Pathirana remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

Following a dominant 10-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test match, Sri Lanka now turns its focus to the white-ball leg of the tour. The ODI series, spanning from February 9 to February 14, will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele, before transitioning to Dambulla for the T20Is.

Afghanistan, under Hashmatullah Shahidi’s leadership, seeks to maintain their winning momentum against Sri Lanka, although they’ll miss Rashid Khan due to his ongoing back injury. Having triumphed over Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan aims to replicate their past success. Sri Lanka’s lackluster performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 led to a ninth-place finish, marred by injuries to key players.

Despite their setbacks, Sri Lanka staged a commendable comeback in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, clinching victory with a 2-0 scoreline. Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyange emerged as standout performers, leading the run charts with 129 and 119 runs respectively from three matches. Afghanistan, rapidly emerging as a cricketing force, recently challenged India in a T20I series and displayed resilience in the sole Test match against Sri Lanka, albeit succumbing to a remarkable 10-wicket defeat.

Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad for Afghanistan Series

Kusal Mendis (Captain), Charith Asalanka (Vice-Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Shevon Daniel.

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) made an official announcement on Wednesday, revealing that India is scheduled to embark on a six-match white-ball series in the island nation in July 2024. This series, comprising three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), comes on the heels of the T20 World Cup earlier that year.

The men’s national cricket team is poised to engage in a total of 52 international matches throughout 2024, encompassing 10 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 21 T20Is. Notably, the T20Is mentioned earlier do not encompass additional matches during the T20 World Cup.

In the midst of this, Sri Lanka Cricket has encountered a setback as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a ban due to government interference. Consequently, the U-19 World Cup has been relocated to South Africa. However, both the men’s and women’s national teams are permitted to fulfill their bilateral obligations.

Kicking off their 2024 international cricket calendar, the Sri Lanka National Team is slated to host Zimbabwe in January, engaging in a series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. Subsequent to this, a series against Afghanistan awaits in January and February, incorporating one test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is.

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The team will then embark on a comprehensive tour to Bangladesh, participating in matches across all formats. Following this, they will contend in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be held in the West Indies and the United States.

Anticipating a robust year of cricket, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies are also expected to tour Sri Lanka as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) in 2024. The Sri Lankan squad is poised to engage in a three-match test series against England in mid-year, with subsequent tours to South Africa and New Zealand concluding the 2024 season. Expressing enthusiasm, Mr. Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, emphasized the excitement surrounding the year, projecting a wealth of playing opportunities for the players, entertainment for the fans, and exposure for the sponsors.

In a dramatic turn of events, Sri Lanka’s sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, was dismissed from his position after accusing President Ranil Wickremesinghe of plotting his assassination due to his efforts to combat corruption within the cricket board.

Ranasinghe, who had been engaged in a contentious relationship with Wickremesinghe over the management of Sri Lanka Cricket, expressed concerns in parliament, asserting that the president and his chief of staff would be accountable if any harm befell him in the course of his anti-corruption initiatives.

The dismissal occurred just before the weekly cabinet meeting, with no immediate response from Wickremesinghe’s office, except for confirmation of the minister’s removal. Ranasinghe had previously ousted the elected cricket board, alleging severe corruption, a claim vehemently denied by board members who are challenging the accusation in court.

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The cricket board, the nation’s wealthiest sports organization, faced suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for failing to prevent government interference.Despite calls from the president to reverse the board’s dismissal, Ranasinghe stood firm, backed by a non-binding resolution passed by parliament three weeks prior, urging the cricket board to resign pending a forensic audit of its finances. Wickremesinghe responded by appointing a committee to investigate the ICC suspension and the ongoing cricket crisis.

Against the backdrop of a debt-ridden country, defaulting on a $46 billion debt in April the previous year, Sri Lanka’s economic struggles have been exacerbated. The International Cricket Council’s suspension further compounds the challenges faced by the island nation, which has experienced civil unrest and political upheaval in recent times, culminating in the ouster of the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa amidst widespread protests.

Sri Lanka Cricket Clarifies Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera’s World Cup Squad Status in Official Statement on Friday (November 24).Both players were initially considered for the World Cup squad, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) expressing optimism about their recovery for the later stages of the tournament. However, the surprise exclusion of both from the final squad raised eyebrows, especially as they were part of the provisional squad.

Subsequently, Chameera was brought in as an injury replacement for Lahiru Kumara. The recent statement from SLC sheds light on the behind-the-scenes actions during the World Cup squad selection. According to the released statement, SLC had intended to include both Hasaranga and Chameera but faced resistance from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Sri Lanka Cricket’s Allegations Against the Ministry of Sports:

The statement revealed, “Following the selection meeting, on the same day, Sri Lanka Cricket sent the squad seeking approval of the National Sports Selection Committee, which comes under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. In response, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs sent a letter to Sri Lanka Cricket on September 26, 2023, seeking medical clearance to approve the inclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka.”

SLC had planned to send the injured players to India with the intention of playing them at a later stage in the tournament after their recovery. However, this plan was thwarted by the Sri Lankan ministry, which insisted on medical clearance for the players.

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In addition to addressing the squad selection issue, Sri Lanka Cricket accused the Ministry of Sports of providing misleading information about the utilization of the National Sports Fund. The release stated discrepancies between the documents obtained by SLC and the media release by the ministry, pointing out that the ministry had spent money on 67 activities instead of the 47 mentioned in their media release on November 13, 2023.