NewKerala.com

Sri Lanka Captain Shanaka Slams "Outside Negativity" After T20 WC Exit

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has voiced deep concern over the "outside negativity" surrounding the team following their exit from the T20 World Cup. He highlighted the challenge players face in blocking out constant criticism, especially from uninformed commentators. Shanaka credited mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton for providing crucial support during the tournament. The skipper warned that such pervasive negativity is damaging to Sri Lankan cricket and called for its reduction to protect future players.

Key Points: Shanaka on Negativity Around Sri Lanka Cricket Post WC Exit

  • Elimination after loss to New Zealand
  • Concern over uninformed public commentary
  • Praise for mental coach Paddy Upton
  • Fear for future players' mental health
2 min read

Shanaka laments "outside negativity" around Sri Lanka cricket following team's exit from T20 WC

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka laments damaging external criticism following team's T20 World Cup elimination, calls for protection of the sport.

"This is the only sport we have, and I don't know if we'll be able to protect it. - Dasun Shanaka"

Colombo, February 26

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has expressed concern over what he termed as "outside negativity" surrounding cricket in the country following their loss to New Zealand by 61 runs in the Super 8s of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, resulting in elimination from the tournament.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka entered the Super 8s after wins over Ireland, Oman and Australia and a loss to Zimbabwe. Following their win over Australia, many considered Sri Lanka as potential semifinalists in the tournament. However, they faced defeat in both their Super 8s matches so far--against England and Sri Lanka, and find themselves out of the tournament now.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand match, Dasun Shanaka said that mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton provided strong support to the team during the World Cup, helping them cope with heavy external criticism. However, Shanaka noted that while players try to remain positive, constant negativity from outside voices--especially uninformed public commentary--makes it difficult. He described this negativity as damaging to Sri Lankan cricket and expressed concern about protecting the sport amid such criticism.

"Actually, when considering this World Cup, Paddy Upton worked with us, and we had a huge support from him. As players, it's very hard for us to control the outside noise. 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 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 added.

Shanaka said the team understands the reasons for defeat and accepts public concern. However, he stressed that constant criticism has overshadowed constructive discussion.

"Why spread this negativity? Yes, we lost a World Cup, and we know the reasons. Everyone has concerns. More than talking about that and correcting it, the negativity has come to the fore. We will play and leave, but if for the players who will come in the future, if the government can even stop it (the negativity) that's better for their mental health," he added.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
He has a point about protecting the sport. Cricket is huge in Sri Lanka, just like it is for us. Constant negativity can destroy a player's confidence. Remember what happened with some of our own players? Constructive criticism is fine, but personal attacks and uninformed rants help no one.
D
David E
While I sympathize, as a captain you also have to take responsibility. They lost to Zimbabwe in the group stage and then collapsed in Super 8s. The "outside negativity" often starts with performance. Fans invest emotion and money; they have a right to be disappointed. The solution is to win matches, not just blame critics.
A
Ananya R
It's sad to see a cricketing nation like Sri Lanka go through this. They gave us so many legends - Sangakkara, Muralitharan, Jayawardene. The current team is trying. Maybe the cricket boards of India and Sri Lanka can have more exchange programs to help build their domestic structure? Solidarity is important.
K
Karthik V
The mention of Paddy Upton is interesting. He worked with Team India too after the 2012 whitewash. Mental conditioning is so crucial in modern cricket. Maybe the SL board should invest more in that side permanently, not just for tournaments. The pressure is unreal these days.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Colombo for work, the passion for cricket here is incredible. The streets are empty during a match. That passion can turn to anger quickly, but it comes from a place of love for the game. Hope the team and fans can find a better balance. Wishing them luck

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50