2 min learnUp to date: Feb 26, 2026 02:13 PM IST
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka stated that extreme negativity across the staff is a “large loss” to “Sri Lankan cricket” and has requested for the nation’s authorities to place a cease to it for the psychological well being of future gamers. Shanaka’s feedback got here after a 61-run loss to New Zealand knocked Sri Lanka out of competition within the race for the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Movies emerged after the match on social media of followers outdoors the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo panning the gamers for his or her performances. “Quite a lot of instances what we see and listen to are detrimental issues,” Shanaka stated within the post-match press convention. “Regardless of how we as cricketers attempt to keep optimistic, there’s negativity outdoors. That’s an enormous loss for Sri Lankan cricket. That is the one sport we’ve got, and I don’t know if we’ll have the ability to shield it. When you look outdoors the stadium, you’ll see how many individuals are standing outdoors with mics, and folks will say stuff with out having watched the match.”
“Why unfold this negativity? Sure, we misplaced a World Cup, and we all know the explanations. Everybody has considerations,” Shanaka stated. “Greater than speaking about that and correcting it, the negativity has come to the fore. We are going to play and depart, but when for the gamers who will come sooner or later, if the federal government may even cease it [the negativity] that’s higher for his or her psychological well being.”
Shanaka additionally apologised to the Sri Lankan followers. “The staff is at all times making an attempt to carry out, particularly in a World Cup, and I don’t assume anybody right here will have the ability to play in a World Cup in Sri Lanka once more,” Shanaka stated. “Everybody had the will to get right into a semi-final. All of us had that need. However we didn’t do justice to the expectations. We couldn’t give followers what we needed. For that we’re sorry,” he stated.