Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has resigned as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain after his team’s early exit in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Wanindu Hasaranga took the captaincy role only in last year and led Sri Lanka in just ten matches.
Wanindu Hasaranga resign as Sri Lankan captain
According to a statement released by Sri Lankan Cricket, Hasaranga stated in his resignation letter that it is in the best interest of the team that he decided to be relieved of his captaincy duties and remain in the side as a player.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform the public that National Men’s T20I Captain Wanindu Hasaranga has decided to resign from the captaincy,” a release from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said.
“Hasaranga said it is in the best interest of Sri Lanka Cricket that he decided to relinquish the captaincy duties and remain in the side as a player. Sri Lanka will always have my utmost best efforts as a player, and I will support and stand by my team and leadership as always,” Hasaranga was quoted as saying in the statement.
The SLC added that it has accepted Hasaranga’s resignation. “Sri Lanka Cricket, while accepting his resignation, wishes to state that Hasaranga will remain an important player for us in our international cricketing plans,” SLC said.
Sri Lanka Cricket(SLC) also confirmed that Hasaranga would remain a key part of their squads going forward.
Though Hasaranga failed as the captain of the team, he still remains the leading wicket-taker for the side in 20 overs cricket with 110 wickets from 68 matches. He averages 15.43 and his economy rate is 6.84. He also owns three four-wicket hauls. With the bat, he has scored 670 runs at 14.88 which also includes two fifties.
Sri Lanka’s next assignment will be the white-ball bilateral series against India set to be played between July 26 and August 7. All matches of the series will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and R. Premadasa Stadium.
