Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka has pointed the finger at a "toxic outside environment" for his side’s exit from the T20 World Cup, making the bizarre suggestion that the government should step in to shield players from public criticism.
Following a dismal Super Eight campaign — capped off by a 61-run thumping by New Zealand and a previous defeat to England — Shanaka offered an apology to fans but quickly turned his attention to the vitriol directed at his squad. He argued that no matter how much the players try to remain positive, the relentless negativity from the media and public creates a mental health burden that is damaging Sri Lankan cricket.
"As players, it is very difficult to block out the noise," Shanaka said on Wednesday. "We mainly hear negative things... if the government could interfere and stop those, I believe that would be a great help for the players' mental health."
Beyond the "negative vibes," Shanaka admitted that the team’s physical conditioning was simply not up to scratch. Sri Lanka’s campaign was plagued by injuries to key men, including star pacer Matheesha Pathirana and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Shanaka conceded that other nations are "way ahead" in terms of fitness, which he described as an "unnegotiable" requirement for international sport.
Reflecting on the team's collapse after a promising group stage where they knocked out Australia, the skipper admitted the pitches did not behave as expected but refused to use that as a total excuse. "No one goes out there to fail... we have not given the spectators a single win they can be happy about," he noted.
With the team heading home early, Shanaka’s own future as leader remains under a cloud. While he expressed pride in captaining at a World Cup, he acknowledged that the decision to retain him now lies entirely with the selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket.
Also read: Ranji Trophy Final: JK's Paras Dogra headbutts Karnataka player
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