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Dasun Shanaka asks fans not to give up on players
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Colombo, Feb. 26 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of public anger that boiled over following Sri Lanka’s humiliating performance on Wednesday night at the R. Premadasa Stadium against New Zealand, captain Dasun Shanaka apologised to Sri Lankan fans and urged them not to give up on Sri Lanka Cricket or the players.
“I share your disappointment with how this World Cup campaign ended for us. As a team, we came into this tournament with immense belief, clear plans, and high hopes despite the challenges we faced leading in, including the series loss to England. As a co-hosting nation, I truly believed we had it in us to turn things around and push deep into the tournament.
I fully understand the frustration, the hurt, and the anger many of you feel towards me and towards the team. All I humbly ask is that you do not give up on Sri Lanka Cricket, or on the players who are working hard within the system and trying their best to turn the tide and carry this legacy forward.
Losing is never easy, especially when you know you carry the hopes and dreams of millions on your shoulders. I accept the criticism, the discussions, and the emotions being shared everywhere—they come from a place of deep passion for the game and our country. No matter the stage or circumstance, I will continue to give everything I have.
I have always played this game with one purpose: Sri Lanka.
I am sorry we couldn’t give you the result you deserved.
Thank you for standing by us.”
Comments - 48
Comments - Dasun Shanaka asks fans not to give up on players
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Nihal Dharmatileke Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:52 PM
It has happened, to regain that support will not happen during your time Sorry
0 25
Make Hasaranga Captain Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:54 PM
Captain is the main problem .He has been holding on to this captaincy by going behind the corrupt officials support.This has prevented another bowling/batting all rounder to come to the team like Milan.Bring Hasaranga as captain.Who is a permanent member in T20
53 22
Terrence K Saturday, 28 February 2026 08:49 AM
Like branding one of our erstwhile captain's as Captain Cool we could brand Wannindu as Captain NONDI because he always has some injury. Crowning him with this glory as Captain will result only in bringing him on a stretcher. Saying that we need to give him all the accolades for the mastery of his bowling where he has claimed wickets of some of the World class batters who thought big of themselves in the cricketing world.
0 0
Terrence K Saturday, 28 February 2026 08:49 AM
Like branding one of our erstwhile captain's as Captain Cool we could brand Wannindu as Captain NONDI because he always has some injury. Crowning him with this glory as Captain will result only in bringing him on a stretcher. Saying that we need to give him all the accolades for the mastery of his bowling where he has claimed wickets of some of the World class batters who thought big of themselves in the cricketing world.
0 0
Nimal Dias Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:22 PM
Don't worry about the fans.. You and some of your Gutless Cricketers are a disgrace to our nation, Especially You don't deserve to be in the team at all..Pack you bags and leave for the benefit of Sri Lanka Cricket.
0 39
Citizen Silva Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:31 PM
You should first resign as captain as you have failed. Please go home without bringing disaster to the side. Take the advice given by Kumar Sangakarra and go.
0 26
Dili Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:47 PM
Please retire, all of you! You can do an immense service to Sri Lanka cricket by staying at home. Ask your board to do the same.
0 49
Slwedda Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:54 PM
Could you please resign and give talented players a chance?
3 24
Dili Friday, 27 February 2026 07:19 AM
That's not enough. The corrupted board too need to go. And their puppet masters, the bookies. After Mr Punchihewa, admins started to ruin the game.
0 5
Citizen k Thursday, 26 February 2026 06:55 PM
How ever much they practice the Sri Lankan team as per your words cannot beat any world class team .Now they have started to lose to second tier teams.Please don't make excuses as I feel they play for their personal benefits and not for the country.
0 23
Richard Vonhagt Thursday, 26 February 2026 07:03 PM
Son, your time is up. The whole island has lost faith in you and your band of jokers. Please, if you love cricket, hang your boots, and make way for players who have actualy cricketing talents. It isn't us who have given up on you (which we have), but it is you who has given up on the country and proud cricketing history we have. So, we entreat you, to please step down!
0 25
Jen Thursday, 26 February 2026 07:28 PM
It's good for the fans in general and the country in particular,, if most of you give up cricket.
0 20
Ruwan Fonseka Thursday, 26 February 2026 07:36 PM
The team has lost its professionalism. One good win then a string of very poor results is not a way pro teams play a tournament.
0 16
Dinesh Thursday, 26 February 2026 07:50 PM
Resign...not your apologies
0 17
Sagarika Thursday, 26 February 2026 08:05 PM
Where is the Sports Minister in all of this?? Or better WHO is the minister of sports? We are yet to hear from him/her on an issue that falls under the ministry.
109 17
Titmuwa Friday, 27 February 2026 12:59 AM
If the minister comments on this, everybody will cry foul about "Political Interference"
0 5
Crazy8 Friday, 27 February 2026 07:06 AM
Governments have very limited authority over how things are done at their cricket institutions as ICC by their constitution bars all government intervention even when intentions are good. Putting these guys under pressure by social media and opening investigations into financial irregularities, like bribing local authorities and clubs for votes are the only means you have if you need to see changes take place.
0 5
Mohan Thursday, 26 February 2026 08:22 PM
Rather than blaming negativity, try and put up good performances.
0 14
Francis de Mel Thursday, 26 February 2026 08:48 PM
You should have guarded your younger and thought better what you were going to say. You have done worse damage to Sri Lankan fans by your stupid statement than losing the match. You think you are great it is not the case you are a damn fool, disgraceful captain. Just get out
0 10
Sri Lankan Thursday, 26 February 2026 09:06 PM
With you Shanaka. Let’s play our best cricket in the last match of this T20 WC. Be determined and confident. All the best to you
40 5
Dead rubber with Rotten Personalities Friday, 27 February 2026 07:00 AM
Yes, let's do that ... when the horse has bolted.
0 4
Bernard Thursday, 26 February 2026 09:48 PM
Dasun still you presume your fans are taking all these defeats for granted? You all not playing as a team, which is evident in all recent matches. Couldn't you all look at the tactics of those teams that beat you? Damn shame, you have four former captains including you in the team, but continue to lose like cowards. Leave your lame excuses alone, please give us, the fans an assurance as to when are you going to play competitive cricket. Utterly disappointing!
0 9
Moada hutans Friday, 27 February 2026 07:25 AM
@RanjithT, which country did Alexander and his sheep play cricket? Did they win many trophies?
0 3
RanjithT Friday, 27 February 2026 03:13 PM
Why don't you check in the internet for the meaning of the quote.
0 0
RanjithT Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:17 PM
You are not a leader just a third grade punk. No strategic thinking. Look back England match no idiot will give the last over to one who was taken for cleaners in previous overs. Alexander the Great said "I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion". In Sri Lanka cricket it is sheep leading a set of Mongol sheep
3 16
Fantasy World Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:18 PM
It is a damn shame to beg for such a thing. You should prove yourself first to gain trust, popularity and respect. Kick that Shammi fellow out from the cricket board first. Prove yourself first. Also, how can you be a leader if you are falling for such pity little things? You yourself don’t have the courage to pull through, Shame on you.
0 10
Chanuka Perera Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:51 PM
When a team is underperforming, the captain’s role becomes even more crucial. A leader must step up, take responsibility, and make the decisions that the team needs-even when they are difficult. Leadership is not only about giving direction when things are going well; it is about showing resilience, clarity, and determination when the team is struggling. That is one of the most essential soft skills for any captain. In this situation, you did not fight back as a leader should. Losing a game is acceptable, but losing without showing intent, character, or fight is not. Your team needs a structural reset. As captain, you must identify the different types of players and understand what each group requires to succeed. Some players may have high technical performance, but if they lack the right mindset, attributes, or cultural fit, they will struggle to contribute to a winning environment. These individuals require coaching on attitude, accountability, emotional control.
0 14
Chanuka Perera Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:53 PM
On the other hand, there are players who may not be the most skilled yet, but they have the right mindset-discipline, work ethic, hunger, and team-first behaviour. These players need more skill development and tactical coaching. With the right support, they can grow into key contributors. To transform the team, you must build a structure around clear KPIs. These KPIs shouldn’t only measure performance like runs or wickets . They should also reflect behaviours such as intent, effort, adaptability, teamwork, game awareness, and the ability to execute the role the team needs. A winning attitude is not defined by winning every match-it is defined by consistency, discipline, and the hunger to compete in every moment. Scoring 100 or 200, or having one star performance, does not create a champion team. What builds a champion team is the daily commitment to standards, culture, accountability, preparation, and collective responsibility.
0 9
Insider Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:07 PM
May be players are working hard within the system, but the system is corrupt to the core - mainly the top.
21 10
Betting Stars Friday, 27 February 2026 07:28 AM
Player too don't have any resilience or mental capacity to put their skills into action, especially under pressure. Of course, the board is rotten. No point at all talking about those garbage bins.
0 3
stfup Friday, 27 February 2026 08:56 AM
Players are working very hard for Instagram and money. It doesn't seem they're really dedicated to improve their skills and mentality and attitude.
0 3
Nihal Perera Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:24 PM
It is just a game and don't make a drama about it. We have more burning issues in the country which needs more attention by the governing party.
0 0
Gloves n bails Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:40 PM
Where is the sports minister what has he done for cricket ?
17 0
Naveen Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:56 PM
Why do these amateur players have to pay no taxes in this country? Everybody who earns a certain amount of money should pay taxes!!!
0 1
Jude Friday, 27 February 2026 01:31 AM
Hey shanaka your words mean nothing to us. Prove your sincerity by winning some games!!
0 0
Jude Friday, 27 February 2026 01:35 AM
The present bunch Not doing enough to win matches. You guys are very thin in talent and skills, on top of that you guys are not using your head. At moment only one player constantly performing well, that is Nissanka.
0 0
Jude Friday, 27 February 2026 01:37 AM
Shanaka don't expect sympathy, SL team performance not acceptable for the last 3 years.
0 0
Lalith de Kauwe Friday, 27 February 2026 02:50 AM
Spare a thought, particularly for the younger talented members of this Sri Lankan team, who are now being mercilessly criticised and ridiculed. Battles are lost when there is lack of discipline, training and leadership. This Sri Lankan team for all its undoubtedly talent, was ill-prepared and inconsistent. Going forward, we must have an honest, objective assessment on how mistakes must be corrected, to improve in the future. This does not require castigating individuals. It entails a rational assessment of the structural issues of Sri Lanka Cricket. Having done so well against the mighty Australians, this was a terribly disappointing result, where the weaknesses and psychological frailties of these young men were brutally exposed in three defeats by professional, better coached and infinitely better managed Zimbabwe, England and New Zealand. Putting aside injuries to three key bowlers, this team was also totally unrepresentative of Sri Lanka, a multi-racial nation.
0 0
Hapun Friday, 27 February 2026 03:09 AM
How many attend regular practice? How many make lame excuses to not attend the training sessions? Where is the team manager? Our batters highest SR is something like 140. When the batsmen of every other team have close to 200 in every team with a lowest around 150. Eat more rice and go sleep instead of training. There is no discipline. All they care about is the BMW or the Range Rover. Each one who represents Sri Lanka has an obligation to train and perform. If not, hang your boots and make way for someone younger.
0 0
Ram P Friday, 27 February 2026 03:26 AM
Experts say that Dasun failed to judge the pitch and decided to field whereas in their view we should have batted first. In my mind the players are not much worried to perform as a team but interested in personal glory. Lastly win or lose players get their money. A system must be evolved for 75% of the players money to go to a pool and distributed on the team and individual performance
0 0
Jude Friday, 27 February 2026 04:23 AM
Hello, fans gave up on you guys 3-4 years ago!!!
0 0
Jude Friday, 27 February 2026 04:25 AM
Giving up on you guys is moot point!! Shanaka that ship has sailed.
0 0
John Friday, 27 February 2026 06:42 AM
Sri Lanka fans are entitled to feel disappointed. However, they are not entitled to personally attack on layers as gutless, cowards, for losing cricket matches. No Sri Lankan player would purposely want to lose a match. Teams go through tough times and players are human. May be Sri Lankans don't deserve a winning team because they don't appreciate the players, or the team.
0 0
Jude Friday, 27 February 2026 07:13 AM
This is the worse team for the last 12 years.that I witnessed without exaggeration. Most players lack the the effort. They think the win Will come when they enter the field. Playing with grit absent from our players skill set. If you analyze the games we've lost for the last 3 years, most games we've lost with huge margins, Not even close. That's simply not cricket. It's lazy lathergic playing. No dedication no grit lack of effort.
0 0
Lankaputha Friday, 27 February 2026 07:39 AM
Ask from Fake Prophet Open the place for good players and retire
0 0
Sambo Friday, 27 February 2026 08:08 AM
We have totally given up on Sri Lanka cricket, long time back
0 0
Krish Friday, 27 February 2026 08:09 AM
I blame the SLC not these guys. Did everyone noticed he used chatgpt to write it. And didn't even bother with formatting it afterwards. Doesn't feel like he cares about fans
0 0
Jude Friday, 27 February 2026 10:48 AM
Hey shanaka The senior players gave up you And your captaincy. The very same players retuning you the favour for backstabbing and betrayal, what few years ago you secretly cut a deal with SLC hiarachy forcing your teammates to sign New contracts, eventually you got the captaincy.
0 0
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