Following Sri Lanka’s premature exit from theICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, captainDasun Shanakamade a heartfelt appeal to fans, asking them not to lose faith inSri Lanka cricket. The Islanders’ campaign ended earlier than expected after a tough Super 8 stage, where inconsistent performances with both bat and ball saw them fail to secure a spot in the semifinals. The defeat was a bitter pill for passionate Sri Lankan supporters who had high hopes for their team in the global showpiece.
In his message to fans, Shanaka acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the importance ofunity and belief in the future generation of cricketers. He highlighted the team’s potential, pointing to young players gaining valuable experience and urging fans to focus on long‑term growth rather than short‑term results. Shanaka also reiterated the need for structural support, better preparation and continued encouragement from the cricketing community and selectors to help Sri Lanka reclaim its competitive edge on the world stage.
The captain’s appeal resonated widely among fans and former players, with many agreeing that consistent backing will be critical as Sri Lanka works to rebuild after the T20 World Cup setback. Critics of the campaign noted areas for improvement — from middle‑order stability to bowling discipline under pressure — but supporters have welcomed Shanaka’s positive tone. Amid discussions on social media and in the press, the overarching message from the team remains clear:Sri Lanka cricket has a rich legacy and promising talent; setbacks should motivate growth, not disillusionment.
Shanaka’s leadership in delivering this message — highlighting resilience, optimism and competitive spirit — seeks to bridge the gap between expectation and execution as Sri Lanka prepares for future bilateral series and ICC events.
