Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva quits as Test captain ahead of Pakistan tour
COLOMBO: Dhananjaya de Silva has resigned as Sri Lanka’s Test captain with immediate effect, ending a tenure of just under three years at the helm of the red-ball side.
The 34-year-old all-rounder informed the national Selection Committee in writing that he felt the moment was right to pass the leadership to younger players. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the decision on Thursday.
“It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,” de Silva wrote in his letter to the selectors.
De Silva was appointed Sri Lanka’s 18th Test captain on January 4, 2024, succeeding Dimuth Karunaratne. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka played 18 Tests and won seven. With the bat, he scored 1,130 runs at an average of 36.45 during his captaincy, and he picked up nine wickets at 44.44 with his off-spin.
He made clear he is not walking away from international cricket, telling the board he remains available for selection and will continue to turn out for Sri Lanka whenever required.
Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ashley de Silva thanked the outgoing skipper for his service. “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes him the very best for the remainder of his career and thanks him for the leadership he provided to our Test team,” he said, adding that the board welcomed his continued availability as a player.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s record as Test captain
De Silva’s tally of seven wins from 18 Tests reflects a side in transition. Sri Lanka’s red-ball fortunes have been mixed since he took over from Karunaratne, but his personal returns with the bat stayed solid even as results wobbled. His average of 36.45 as captain stands up well against his career numbers, and his off-breaks gave the side a useful second spin option.
The decision to step aside now, rather than at the end of a series, suggests de Silva wants the new leader to have a clean start. Whoever takes the armband inherits a tour that will shape Sri Lanka’s standing in the current World Test Championship cycle.
Timing puts focus on Pakistan tour
The resignation lands with Sri Lanka already in Pakistan for a long multi-format tour. The visitors open with a three-match T20I series in Rawalpindi, starting Friday, October 9, with the remaining games on October 11 and 13 at the same venue. Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in the shortest format.
England then arrive for an ODI tri-series also involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, running from October 18 to 31 across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The Tests that de Silva was expected to lead come last: a three-day warm-up in Islamabad from November 4 to 6, followed by two Tests that count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The first is set for the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, with the second at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Sri Lanka Cricket has not yet named a successor, meaning the new captain will have only weeks to prepare for a demanding assignment in Pakistani conditions.
FAQ
Why did Dhananjaya de Silva resign as Test captain?
He wrote to the Selection Committee saying he believed the time was right for the leadership to pass to the next generation. He remains available to play for Sri Lanka.
Who was Sri Lanka’s Test captain before him?
Dimuth Karunaratne. De Silva succeeded him on January 4, 2024, becoming the country’s 18th Test captain.
When does Sri Lanka play Tests in Pakistan?
The two-Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, runs November 9 to 13 in Rawalpindi and November 17 to 21 in Lahore, after a three-day warm-up in Islamabad from November 4 to 6.
