Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially opened nominations for positions on its National Team Selection Committee, signalling potential changes to the panel currently chaired by Upul Tharanga.
In a letter dated October 23, 2025, SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake invited members to submit nominations by November 5, as growing criticism surrounds the committee’s recent decisions and the team’s inconsistent performances.
The existing selection panel—comprising Tharanga, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavithana, and Indika de Saram—has come under fire following Sri Lanka’s disappointing Asia Cup 2025 campaign, where the team failed to win a single Super Four match.
Former off-spinner Dilruwan Perera, part of the original panel appointed in 2023, resigned earlier to pursue coaching commitments.
The selectors’ backing of captain Charith Asalanka, despite Sri Lanka’s poor form, has divided opinion.
While critics question his leadership and team balance, SLC officials maintain that investing in young leadership is vital for long-term stability and rebuilding confidence in the national setup.
Appointed after the disastrous 2023 World Cup, where Sri Lanka won only two of nine matches and missed qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Tharanga-led panel has overseen mixed fortunes.
The Test team currently ranks sixth, boasting seven wins and six defeats in 14 matches. In ODIs, Sri Lanka has enjoyed resurgence—winning 12 of 18 matches in 2024, including impressive 2-0 series wins against India and New Zealand, and following up with a 2-0 sweep of Australia this year.
However, the T20 format remains a persistent concern. With 12 losses in 2024 and seven in 2025, Sri Lanka has slipped to eighth in the global rankings, reigniting debate over selection strategy and tactical execution.
As the deadline for nominations approaches, insiders suggest that Sri Lanka Cricket may be preparing for a shake-up within the selection ranks—a move that could define the national team’s trajectory heading into the 2026 season.
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