Chief Selector Upul Tharanga Confirms Discussions to Replace Charith Asalanka as T20 Captain

Sri Lanka's T20 captaincy is facing an unexpected re-evaluation just two months before the co-hosted T20 World Cup, as Chief Selector Upul Tharanga confirmed that the selection committee is actively considering changes to the leadership structure.

While Tharanga insisted that Charith Asalanka remains the official captain in their current plans, he acknowledged that Asalanka’s recent poor form in T20 Internationals has prompted the selectors to weigh their options.

"We have to weigh our best options after this series," Tharanga stated when asked about a potential captaincy change. "With a World Cup so close we can't make a lot of big changes. The selectors, after talking to the coach, will have to make a decision on what's best for the team."

Asalanka’s Form and Sudden Return

Asalanka's T20I record shows modest returns, with a strike rate of 126 across 68 innings. His 2025 performance has been underwhelming, yielding only 156 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 122. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka has a negative win/loss record (11 wins, 14 losses).

Asalanka’s sudden return home from the ongoing Tri-Series in Pakistan, reportedly due to illness, fueled speculation in local media. One prevalent theory suggested he was being disciplined for opposing the team's stay in Pakistan following a recent security incident—a claim Tharanga firmly denied.

Tharanga maintained that the decision to send the captain home was purely medical. "He had a viral fever, and he had body aches," Tharanga explained. "The physio told us that it's hard for him to predict when Charith would get better, and that's why we had to make that decision."

Vice-Captain Appointment and Future Role

Tharanga revealed that discussions regarding a leadership change were already taking place prior to the Pakistan tour. This is why Dasun Shanaka—a former captain—was appointed vice-captain, "to give us another option."

Despite the uncertainty, the Chief Selector envisions a vital role for Asalanka with the bat at the World Cup. "Charith is a very talented cricketer, with a lot of experience... I'm sure he'll be an important cricketer for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. He's in our World Cup plans," Tharanga affirmed.

However, Tharanga reiterated that although Asalanka remains the captain for now, the final decision on leadership will be made after the conclusion of the Pakistan Tri-Series.