Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming tour of Pakistan, with Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva stepping down from the leadership role.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced that de Silva has decided to resign as Test captain with immediate effect. The decision comes shortly before the team’s scheduled visit to Pakistan, adding uncertainty to the leadership of the side ahead of the important series.
De Silva said it was time for the responsibility of leading the Test team to be handed over to the next generation. However, his decision to leave the captaincy does not mean the end of his international career.
The experienced all-rounder will continue to represent Sri Lanka as a player and remains available for selection in the Test side. His continued presence is expected to provide experience and stability to a team undergoing a change in leadership.
Sri Lanka Cricket praised de Silva for his contribution and leadership during his time as Test captain. The board also welcomed his decision to remain available as a player, highlighting the important role he has played in the national Test setup.
The resignation means Sri Lanka will now have to appoint a new captain ahead of the Pakistan tour. Reports suggest that Kusal Mendis could be considered as the leading candidate to take over the Test captaincy.
De Silva’s departure from the leadership role marks another change for Sri Lanka’s Test team as the board looks to build its next generation of leaders.
His experience will, however, remain available to the team, with de Silva set to continue his international career as a player.