Calls grow for Sri Lankan players, Shammi to resign

26 February 2026 11:55 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 71 Bookmark

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Colombo, Feb 26 (Daily Mirror) - While public anger boiled over Sri Lanka’s humiliating performance on Wednesday night at the R. Premadasa Stadium against New Zealand, where they were officially eliminated from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, calls are now growing for the resignation of Shammi Silva, Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), with some alleging that he is clinging to power despite mounting failures.

Sri Lanka’s aspirations of hosting the T20 World Cup trophy came to a crushing end following a bitter defeat. In a devastating blow to the cricket-crazy nation, a 61-run loss to the New Zealand national cricket team in the Super 8 stage sealed their fate. For the thousands of passionate supporters who packed the Colombo venue, it was a night of shattered hopes as the team’s much-anticipated resurgence on home soil failed to materialise.

New Zealand emphatically turned the tables on the host nation, brilliantly exploiting pitch conditions that many assumed would heavily favor the Sri Lankan side. The local batting lineup collapsed under the intense pressure of the Kiwi spinners, mustering a dismal 107 for 8 during their chase. This capitulation marked Sri Lanka's third consecutive defeat, following earlier shocking losses to Zimbabwe and England, cementing their unfortunate status as the first team to be knocked out of semi-final contention in this World Cup.

In the immediate aftermath of the early exit, captain Dasun Shanaka did not hold back, calling out the pervasive negativity currently surrounding Sri Lankan cricket. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shanaka lamented that the team is constantly bombarded by external noise and unwarranted public hostility. He pointed out the frustrating reality of individuals standing outside stadiums with microphones, spreading harsh judgments and criticisms without even watching the matches, making it nearly impossible for the squad to maintain a positive and focused mindset.

"A lot of times what we see and hear are negative things," Shanaka said. "No matter how we as cricketers try to stay positive, there is negativity outside. That's a big loss for for Sri Lankan cricket. This is the only sport we have, and I don't know if we'll be able to protect it. If you look outside the stadium you'll see how many people are standing outside with mics, and people will say stuff without having watched the match."

Shanaka said the "negativity" the team faced had become so severe, that perhaps the country's government should intervene to protect future generations of players.

Taking his frustrations a step further, Shanaka made a strong plea for authorities to intervene in the sporting culture. He directly asked the government to step in and help stop the toxic environment of relentless public bashing in order to protect the mental health of the athletes. "We will play and leave, but for the players who will come in the future, if the government can even stop it, that's better for their mental health," Shanaka said, emphasizing that the current atmosphere is causing immense psychological strain and is actively damaging the future of the sport in the country.

Shanaka did also apologise to Sri Lanka's fans, who have come to watch the team in numbers in Colombo and Kandy.

"Everyone had the desire to get into a semi-final. We all had that desire. But we didn't do justice to the expectations. We couldn't give fans what we wanted. For that we're sorry."

Meanwhile, the patience of the Sri Lankan public has completely run out. Fans, suffering from years of administrative instability and repeated on-field failures, immediately took to social media to express their profound outrage. Trending hashtags and furious posts dominated digital platforms across the country, with supporters overwhelmingly urging SLC Chairman Shammi Silva to resign immediately and brand new players in the national team.

Comments - 71

Steve Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:15 AM

The government cannot baby-sit you spoiled kids. Winning and losing are part and parcel of the game. However, you guys are very good at giving all the excuses under the sun when you lose, and taking all the credit when you win. The sport needs a complete clean up from top to bottom and that is where the Sports Ministry needs to step in.

4 151

Blame game Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:25 AM

Ministry needs to step in? Do we have a capable minister in charge of sports who could actively get involved in these matters? The guys who are running (and ruining) this country are big liars and talkers! The only things these guys can do are to blame the past and arrest and remand people.

83 28

Pachatulla Tuesday, 03 March 2026 02:24 PM

Send Shammi to Iran.

0 6

IF THE SLC ELECTIONS BRING ONLY ANOTHER BUNCH OF CROOKS FROM AMONG ALL THE CORRUPT LOT IN THE CRICKETING SCENE, THE OVERALL THUGGERY POLITICS RESPONSIBLE FOT THAT Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:08 PM

@steve The gov. do baba-hukum in all other (hopper) affairs but still failed to appoint a proper governing body for cricket. Fools who overestimated present team are so sad and others who do not have the passion, utter ridiculously in this LONTHA TRIPLE BLESSED LAND ON THE HATTRICK DEFEAT AND EARLY EXIT.

4 22

Angna Kouross Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:22 PM

But our team was very environmentally conscious! They don't have to get on to planes or even busses to travel to grounds to play now. They played with the sole intention of saving the environment.

0 17

Sudaththa Hewa Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:19 AM

Don't ask..SACK THEM.! Chase them out for good.

1 109

Shivantha Guruge Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:25 AM

Don't talk crap Shanaka..You and many of your Henchayyas are not fit enough to play for Sri Lanka..! Shut your dirty mouth and leave your place for a good Cricketer like JANITH LIYANAGE..!!

1 115

Should anura stay? Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:11 PM

LoL already forgot that half of this team were previously fan favorites?

24 3

Yes! Friday, 27 February 2026 01:16 PM

It isn't unusual for dementia to settle in with old age.

1 6

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:36 AM

Hello Shammi Silva not going anywhere anytime soon!!! Shammi bankrolled NPP at the last elections!! And he proved a point that he's calling the shots and he's incharge by bringing in previously discarded promodya wickramasinghe. We're going backwards, huh.

24 76

Cricket pissa Friday, 27 February 2026 01:17 PM

Bank tall NPP from where the he’ll you got that information. We would like to hear from you soon.

3 3

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:39 AM

Hey shanaka, if you can't handle pressure, coming from critics And others, Shanaka you're in the wrong Sport. I suggest play Elle or soccer or something else. You loser.

4 86

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:42 AM

Shanaka, you guys are not belong in the big boys club. Should play with UAE Nepal Oman America Italy.

2 68

Suren Herathmudalige Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:18 PM

Oh no,not Nepal and Italy! May be Oman and Maldives!

0 26

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:44 AM

Remember, when you play at This level it's 90% using Head And 10% skill.

3 57

Moada hutans Thursday, 26 February 2026 02:46 PM

Isn't it 91% and 9%?

0 8

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:45 AM

I reiterate, the current bunch lack skill and talent.

1 59

BanduXX Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:16 PM

The amount of background IT analysis of opponents by other teams is no match for our coaches like Sanath

0 22

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:46 AM

This SL team full of crap and garbage!!

1 63

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:48 AM

Authorities should stop SL playing international cricket for at least 2 years. In the meantime improve the standard and skills of the players.

3 55

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 10:58 AM

SL players can't handle pressure. Just listen to shanaka, the players getting criticize by critics And they can't handle that How can they handle the pressure from their opponents while playing the game. Most of Lankans players are gam Battan and they get easily intimidated. And Not mentally strong. They are pushovers!!

2 56

Crazy8 Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:02 AM

Not just this incompetent morronn who's only good at winning board elections by trickery, the whole administration along with their enablers should go.

1 71

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:02 AM

The country was pushed back by 3 decades of war and Prabha responsible for it. The Lankan cricket standard was ruined thanks to Bookiee man And his "Golaya" the taxi driver's son.

14 46

pradeep Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:05 AM

He should resign first. He cannot bat, bowl, or even catch properly. Even after playing for the national team for so many years, he is still clueless against spin bowling. The players’ body language during the match showed how little commitment there was. Unlike other teams, they looked as if they were playing just for fun, not for the country.

1 55

mnsmart Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:07 AM

International level athletes should be physically and mentally fit. If these guys are mentally unfit, losing will be eminent.

2 50

Jayasekera Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:11 AM

Mr. Shammi Silva, you better resign, other wise we will definitely pull you out

2 60

Canine Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:44 PM

Is the tooth gone bad?

3 7

Jude Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:17 AM

Silva leaving SLC is only solve part of the problem. However, you got to change the mind set of our players. For the last 3 years or so our players didn't have the winning attitude. The modern game, with the use of technology, your opponents knows your weakness and strength before you get into the field. That's why am saying The game is 90% Head and 10% skill. Moreover, that's why I say The present bunch thin on talent and skills. And don't even start with players fitness, players fitness appalling. And the physique, look like dart players.

0 17

Disgruntled citizen Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:37 AM

The current SLC administration is corrupt, why is no one taking action to remove the current administration and replace with honest qualified individuals to take on the reigns Family members are reaping huge take outs ,electing members over and over again voting is corrupt,at present I cannot see a captain who will win the hearts of the players, over to the Government to take action

0 15

Trehan Munasinghe Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:38 AM

Cricket has been dying a slow painful death since 2015, Sri Lankan Cricket fans need to understand this. We are way behind in White ball cricket, the Test Team is still holding on, because betting and bookiepala's haven't entered that yet in a big way. Dasun your limited knowledge on the state of cricket is a clear reflection on you as the T20 Captain, so, dn't try to deflect your failure, now the best thing you and Sri Lanka Cricket can do is, get a new team ready, fix the administration issues, leave out these unicorns who get injured but are still fit to play IPL and remove the old players, give new opportunities and rebuild something, we dn't care even if we get smashed by Namibia or Uganda, as long as we know that 1000% is given on the field of play. Negativity from the country stems from the failures of the national team and the Cricket Administration.

0 14

Chams Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:52 AM

While there are major issues in the entire cricketing eco system, you guys need to come out of salons, tattoo artists and Jewellery shops and focus on your game. Just get your priorities right, everything else will fall in place.

0 42

Lankan Thursday, 26 February 2026 02:53 PM

True. The 4- wheels you want, fancy bungalows with swimming pools, maids/ servants and watchman to open your gates and sir your ego is not cricket. The end result is what matters, it's cricket , not a blame game or passing the buck like politics.

0 5

ronikailadasa Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:12 PM

Shanaka, firstly justify your position in the team. Are you playing as a batting allrounder or bowling allrounder. If batting allrounder why in a crunch game when almost 9 overs were consumed by tip order y walked in and consumed an over to score 3 runs. If a bowling arounder not a single deliver in the entire match. It appears you are picked only to toss the coin, which can easily be done even by the junior most player. Not only you even the so-called brainless coaches just working to get the pay packet should step down at the completion of the tournament. People should boycott Sri Lanka cricket should you guys continue. A very sad day for cricket.

0 22

saman Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:28 PM

Not only Shammi Silva, what about the selectors. A bunch of idiots. If not will you add Charith Asalanka who didn't play a single game in this tournament to play in this such a crucial match. These Idiots did the same thing by adding Kapugedara in a world cup match where he scored 5 runs. Kusal Janith had scored a century against NZ in the near past. Janith Liyanage another player to add. From where are we getting these Batting Coach and the Bowling Coach. They are good for nothing. They should prepare our players mentally to face such crucial situation. All these guys are taken for money not for talent.

0 15

Jo Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:16 PM

If kusal perera was in you would have asked for Vijitha Herath. Don't you understand when the whole country is stagnating only cricket can't survive?

2 3

Gune Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:31 PM

You guys can't play cricket. You Shanaka, play a good innings one out of 20 matches. In any other country, you will be gone for good a long time ago. The cricket world has evolved and gone so far ahead you all. You can't catch up. Soon countries like Nepal, UAE, USA, and Canada will be ahead of you. It might be best you first play those TEAMS BEFORE start playing the big boys.

0 15

HooJin Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:00 PM

Shanaka you should seek treatment or go play in the women’s league! Real men don’t whine and make excuses!

30 16

Cheers Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:01 PM

Our current cricket team is just like 157 government ministers lacks vision, direction, discipline, focus, desire, no brains just like the floating library like pawena pustakala

27 14

Mohamed Adham Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:21 PM

Enough is ENOUGH.

1 12

Nimo moor Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:34 PM

What a disgrace Sad state of affairs Let’s build a new team

0 15

Jaffnaman Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:43 PM

We need a complete new set of selectors.Current players have enough potentials, but lacking mental strength.Pity a team could not rise to occasion in their own conditions.Captain's leading credentials are questionable.When Santer and the new batter at the wicket after 15 overs Shanaka could not break the partnership and our team and the fans believed NZ maximum would be 120.Team combination from the first match of th tournament was not that great.Why Asalanka was not in the playing 11. There are many questions than answers.Very sad and pathetic.

0 12

Hiran G Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:53 PM

What a load of BS by the captain. This is not about the spectators or media. SLC top officials, Sanath

0 12

Chris Peries Thursday, 26 February 2026 01:55 PM

The need of the moment is not molly-coddling the ruffians on the field as well as the Cricket Board, but taking action to immediately sack the entire outfit, at least the misfits. To audaciously palm the blame on the negativity of the die-hard sri-lankan fans is the height of absurdity. Going by a famous quote by Lyndon Johnson, that a certain American leader can't chew gum

0 14

Ram P Thursday, 26 February 2026 02:14 PM

Recently a former star SL cricketer said that the cricket administration is corrupt. He also added that even the support staff and the cricketers cannot be trusted as all of the only interested in money and not performance. First the cricket administration must resign in toto together with the support staff. the selection of players must be handled by a new committee. It is because of corruption that our past star players like Sanga, Mahela, Roshan etc are not getting involved

0 5

sugathadasa Thursday, 26 February 2026 02:24 PM

Lets see, why did Shanaka ask NZ to bat when all he should have done is bat first as he won the toss. NZ took the advantage and now you see. Poor leadership and no idea about how to manage the resources. Also most players do not seem to be mindful when batting or bowling.

0 4

Zaya Thursday, 26 February 2026 02:33 PM

Before anything else, change the way you present yourselves for international matches — with heavy chains around your necks, bracelets, tattoos, headbands, weird haircuts, and colored hair. Look at the players of other teams. Develop some decency and discipline within yourselves instead of looking like a cheap, third-class group bringing shame to the country. The rest will fall into place.

0 9

Karalasingam Sivalingam Thursday, 26 February 2026 02:44 PM

A new set of players should emerge for the next T 20 World Cup in 2030. Talented cricketers are in, among schools island wide. I don't think the present team should be retained for future Sri Lankan cricket. Everything is impermanent as per Buddhist philosophy. Send an open invitation to Schools in 25 district that emerged as champoin winners, in such districts. Pick them, give few opportunities, you will net good players.

0 3

Wije Thursday, 26 February 2026 03:01 PM

Monopoly of Cricket Board to be ended , same management is running nearly 20 years . Overall no Audit review is made how they function.

0 4

Citizen Thursday, 26 February 2026 03:04 PM

It seems some hidden hands decide whether Sri Lanka win or lose , mostly last match they will allow players to play natural game

0 3

Dr Dutu Thursday, 26 February 2026 03:43 PM

Where is Dr. Tissa Ferna.ndo ? that was not luck, NZ played well.Sri Lankans have to congratulate them and counter economy and external threats before cricket. Development of the country or cricket never come luck by chance. Dr Fernando is late because he may be needing medihelp after watching the match.Sorry the triumph silenced.period.

0 3

Upulpb Thursday, 26 February 2026 03:51 PM

Only way to save the game would be to dismantle SLC setup and overhaul cricket administration even if we are going face tough ICC sanctions.

0 3

Time to bring a change. Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:02 PM

Key solutions. SLC - Create an overhaul of the current board and make Shammi to resign and remove all board members. Players - Keep a few youngsters such as Kamindu and Wellallage and Pathum. Sack the rest. Religion - Get rid of all the politics in this and pick players irrespective of their religion, caste etc. New Team- Create district level and provincial scouting programs and pick a group of the countrys best young performers to form a squad and create a bench strength from all parts of the country. Talent/ Scout - There are plenty of unorthodox very fast bowlers/good spinners who play various softball tournaments. Get the selectors to watch a few of the videos that circulate online and get them to attend these softball tournaments to hand pick the best of them. Finally get a few of our past players such as Murali, Malinga, Dilshan, Sanga and Mahela and co to mentor them and prepare them. We will have a highly competitve bunch who will will be match winners.

0 21

Haiyo Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:03 PM

Shanka cannot bowl or bat - knowing that why do you take a role in the team? Who makes these decisions. Hitting out at Oman is not what you are in the side for? that decision epitomises the sad situation of Sri Lanka cricket...

0 7

DJ Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:16 PM

When did Dasun became a politician? you failed terribly, so move on and let the next generation come in, grow up and be a man.

0 6

Brady Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:24 PM

Look at the fitness level of these jokers - big bellies, can’t run properly or even execute a simple dive or throw-in. They don’t look athletic at all; it seems like they’re running behind the ball out of desperation rather than athleticism :)

0 12

Make Hasaranga Captain-needs figting qualities.Dasun too timid. Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:50 PM

Captain is the main problem .He has been holding on to this captaincy by going behind the corrupt officials support.This has prevented anothe bowling/batting all rounder to come to the team like Milan.Bring Hasaranga as captain.Who is a permanent member

16 1

Greg Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:17 PM

We should rotate the playing 11 each month. Then at least our donkey fans would understand that we don't have the players to win.

1 5

Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:23 PM

You win some you loose some. You cannot be expected to win all the time. It is a fact that the opponents were a strong team so it was not easy to score a win. India too lost matches so you cannot start blame game when you loose. The win and loss shoukd be accepted because it is just normal. There is slso another day to try and win. In the past our greatest players lost world cup finals twice so what? We are just humans playing not some robots.

24 2

Realistica Adams Friday, 27 February 2026 10:06 AM

Hey Dr Pacha, may be the NPP minister is to blame ?

0 7

Citizen k Friday, 27 February 2026 12:29 PM

Dr Tissa , We lose more than 90 percent of the matches.So there is no more to be said.

0 6

SM Thursday, 26 February 2026 05:51 PM

Stop losing almost every series or tournament you enter, and train like the professional teams that have long term consistency, not long term inconsistency like you guys.

0 4

Sam Thursday, 26 February 2026 06:15 PM

Shammi Go Home

0 3

Wasantha Bandara Thursday, 26 February 2026 06:25 PM

Shanaka is right. The government must get involved and get the FCID to investigate what happens to all the money generated. May be that is where the root cause is. Fraud and extortion.

1 21

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 27 February 2026 08:51 AM

Yes, Pachawatte office could step in and appoint someone dhobis to the team. There are some good players in the Parliament too Big Kocchan, Big Headed Transport Minister, Crying Chathranga , Kappan Samare, Cow Doctor , and get some female cheer leaders like Lat Mali, Uganda Princess, etc.

20 3

Chris Friday, 27 February 2026 08:58 AM

You guys are very lucky our fans are not like our Indian neighbours. Dasun you should be ashamed of yourself asking President to curb SM attack on cricketers. Dasun should step down first . The whole team looks disoriented and lazy and this is a result of bad captaincy.

0 8

Realistica Adams Friday, 27 February 2026 10:15 AM

One solution is for President to appoint Dr Pacha as Cricket Board Chairman

0 8

BanduXX Friday, 27 February 2026 10:26 AM

For the past few years I have held the view that we need a psycho mental guru to motivate the team. All Formula 1 drivers have one and form an essential part of the support staff where individual effort is called for, unlike football where all players play the game together. Also an IT back up with full stats of both our and opposing teams to decide strategy before the game. And a coach who understands these inputs.

0 2

Sagarika Friday, 27 February 2026 12:22 PM

You can continue playing if you contribute all of your earnings to a Goverment fund for next 3 - 5 years.

26 3

J Wanniarachchi Friday, 27 February 2026 12:33 PM

Shanaka says the "negativity" the team faced had become so severe, that perhaps the country's government should intervene to protect future generations of players. He should realize that when Indian team failed in the past their homes were set on fire by disgusted fans. His team should be lucky to have a patient crowd in Srilanka. What an idiot to ask government to intervene

0 5

Karalasingam Sivalingam Friday, 27 February 2026 04:07 PM

Most comments emphasises the poor standard of Sri Lankan cricket. 10 for 2 is the worst score in years. Spectators for future matches would be dwindled. Cricket enthusiasts looking forward for a new team. Arjuna, Mahila, Sangakkara, Jayasuriya, Malinga era no more. Poor spectators. Let's watch rest of the series since we have no alternative.

0 0

Jayantha Silva Friday, 27 February 2026 04:42 PM

Why are SLC big shots walking around with bodyguards ?

0 0

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