AT CAPTAIN’S PRESS CONFERENCE
By Srian Obeyesekere
The captains of participating teams in the Sri Lanka leg of the 10th edition of the February 7, 2026 ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup took pride of place in two phases as to how they would go when they met the media yesterday at Colombo’s Mercantile Cricket Association with host team Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka accentuating on protecting their pride to giving their best at the showpiece event while emphasising the paramount need for his batsmen to take responsibility in showcasing their inherent experience.
Sri Lanka play their first game against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
While noting that recent loss results was something ‘we have to come out of’, Shanaka said that by and large it was up to the key batsmen to shoulder responsibility and deliver while he himself was attuned to play his part at any given position in the batting order in accordance with the Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya’s game plans.
He rounded on Indian born batting consultant Vikram Rathour’s quick fix influence of mind setting the batters to a ‘more more aggressive mindset aproach to play with greater freedom.’
“I think we have seen a lot of positives recently. Our top-order batters must perform and bat deep into the innings — that will be crucial,” insisted Shanaka of his batters.
The Lankan captain said the recent losses to Pakistan would not be a put out for his side on the belief his batters carried the muscle to come good where varying pitch conditions on the day to shot selection mattered much.
Captains of Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and the UAE, while Australia, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Oman also voiced themselves in a separate session.
As to the bowling, Shanaka said. “Our bowlers like Chameera, Pathirana, and Theekshana performed well in the last game. Batting is an area of concern, but we are confident they will bounce back in the World Cup. They are experienced players and understand their responsibilities.”
“NOT PlAYING INDIA NOT IN OUR HANDS, PAKISTAN CAPT
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha while saying he was all excited ‘as this is my first World Cup as captain’, did kindle the running three cornered controversy involving Pakistan, India and Bangladesh that has seen what he termed a saddening part of Bangladesh being sidelined following its decision not to play in host country India consequent to their key bowler being ordered out of his IPL franchise in what has now snowballed to Pakistans government pulling out its team from playing against India.
Our recent successful series against Australia has given us good confidence, and we hope to perform well,” Agha said.
“Bangladeshis are our brothers, and we appreciate their support for Pakistan. It’s a pity they won’t be playing in the tournament,” he lamented.
On the thorny issue of Pakistan not playing India, he said, “It’s a government decision, and we respect it. Whatever is decided, we will follow. We are excited about our other group games.”
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said his team had prepared well for the tournament and appreciated the facilities provided by Sri Lanka Cricket.
“We have had good preparations, and Sri Lanka Cricket has given us excellent facilities. We know the challenges in our group and expect to give our best in this major event,” Raza said.
