Malinga axed as Sri Lanka ODI captain, Karunaratne in charge at World Cup

Dimuth Karunaratne came to prominence as skipper when he led Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 win in South Africa this year – the first Asian team to beat the Proteas in a home Test series. Photo: David Gray/EPA

Dimuth Karunaratne came to prominence as skipper when he led Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 win in South Africa this year – the first Asian team to beat the Proteas in a home Test series. Photo: David Gray/EPA

Published Apr 17, 2019

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COLOMBO – Sri Lanka on Wednesday axed Lasith Malinga as captain for the upcoming World Cup, and announced Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne was being brought in to lead the side.

Chairman of selectors Asantha de Mel said they wanted “somebody who can get the team together” at the event in England and Wales.

Sri Lanka play their first game against New Zealand on June 1.

De Mel admitted that the Sri Lankan team – winners of the 1996 World Cup – were struggling with “a lot of issues inside”.

The team environment has been rife with personality clashes and disciplinary troubles in recent years.

On the sacking of Malinga, De Mel said: “He was okay as captain, but he does not get along well with some of the senior players.”

Sri Lanka have also suffered a string of defeats under his leadership. 

Karunaratne was the only choice left to take the reins, after veteran former skipper Angelo Mathews opted out of becoming captain, owing to differences with the coach Chandika Hathurusinghe.

Karunaratne, 31, came to prominence as skipper when he led the team to a historic 2-0 win in South Africa this year – the first Asian team to beat the Proteas in a home Test series.

The National Selectors today appointed Dimuth Karunaratne as the ODI Captain of the Sri Lankan team.

He will lead the team during the #CWC19 READ: https://t.co/cdIoJM8skb pic.twitter.com/kke20qHsQu

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) April 17, 2019

Sri Lankan selectors are to meet on Thursday to decide the final squad for the World Cup, which starts May 30.

Malinga and Mathews are considered certainties to keep their places in the squad, despite having been kept out of leadership duties.

AFP

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