Dasun Shanaka Issues Emotional Apology After Sri Lanka’s World Cup Exit: ‘We Have Failed the Fans’
SYDNEY – A devastated Dasun Shanaka offered an unconditional apology to Sri Lankan cricket supporters following the team’s elimination from the T20 World Cup. The Sri Lankan captain cited a combination of tactical errors, substandard fitness levels, and key injuries as the primary catalysts for another barren run in an ICC tournament.
Sri Lanka’s campaign concluded in the Super 12 stage, marked by heavy defeats to New Zealand and England. The losses extended the island nation’s drought in global events, with their last major trophy coming in the 2014 T20 World Cup.
“We feel very sorry about this,” Shanaka stated during an emotional post-match press conference. “For the spectators, I don’t have anything to tell. We have not given them any win that they can be happy about. No one goes out there to fail; everyone goes to win for the country. Unfortunately, sometimes we lose games from small changes we don’t even think of. So honestly, we are very sorry.”
Campaign Statistics and Key Losses
Sri Lanka showed promise in the qualifiers but struggled against top-tier opposition in the main draw. The statistical breakdown of their decisive matches highlights the gap in performance.
| Opponent | Result | Key Issue |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Lost by 65 runs | Top-order collapse; failed to chase 168 |
| England | Lost by 4 wickets | Death bowling execution; batting stagnation |
| Australia | Lost by 7 wickets | Inability to defend competitive total |
Fitness Standards Under Scrutiny
Shanaka identified physical conditioning as a critical area where Sri Lanka lags behind global heavyweights. The tournament saw the squad depleted by injuries to premier fast bowlers, disrupting the team balance significantly.
“I don’t think the physical fitness is up to the maximum level,” Shanaka admitted. “We had about four to five injuries, and our best players are out. When considering fitness levels, other teams are way ahead of us.”
The captain emphasized that raising fitness standards must be “non-negotiable” moving forward. The absence of key personnel, including Dushmantha Chameera and setbacks to other pacers, forced the management to field altered lineups constantly.
Contributing Factors to Elimination
- Injury Crisis: Loss of primary strike bowlers early in the tournament.
- Pitch Adaptation: The squad, built around specific domestic performers, failed to adapt to the pace and bounce of the Australian surfaces.
- Power Hitting: A distinct lack of middle-order firepower compared to teams like England and Australia.
Tactical Missteps and Future Uncertainty
Shanaka reflected on squandered opportunities, particularly in the final group stage fixture against England. Despite a strong start, the batting lineup crumbled in the death overs, posting a sub-par total that England chased down despite a mid-innings wobble.
“The England match was a match that we could have won. If we were more sensible, we could have won that,” Shanaka noted. “Before the start of the tournament, I mentioned I expected good wickets. The best batsmen in Sri Lanka are here.”
Regarding his tenure as captain, Shanaka left the decision to the administration while acknowledging the volatile nature of leadership in Sri Lankan cricket. “As a captain, I have no idea how long I will be the captain. It’s decided by selectors. I have made good decisions and mistakes as well, but I’m happy I had this opportunity.”
The team now faces a period of rebuilding, with the focus shifting to long-term preparation for the next World cycle. Shanaka urged the squad to use this disappointment as a catalyst for improvement.
“No matter the problems, we have to go positively. It’s very important to finish well because it gives momentum for the next tournament,” he concluded.
For official statistics and tournament data, visit: