Sri Lankan Cricket Fans Demand Board Steps Down

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s humiliating defeat at the hands of the Kiwis at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has triggered widespread public outrage, with fans on social media, at stadiums and across cricket forums demanding sweeping changes, including dropping non‑performing players and replacing the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) administration entirely. Many supporters say they are tired of 'repeated failures,' 'poor planning,' and 'a lack of accountability,' arguing that the sport needs a complete reset.

From stadium boos to social‑media backlash, supporters expressed that the team 'let the nation down,' especially after entering the tournament as co‑hosts with high expectations.

While Sri Lanka began the World Cup with promise, the campaign unraveled rapidly, exposing deep issues in consistency, strategy and batting temperament.

Sri Lanka opened their tournament with a 20‑run win over Ireland at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, successfully defending 163/6 to bowl out Ireland for 143.

They followed it with a dominant performance in Kandy, posting 225/5 against Oman and securing a 105‑run victory, one of the biggest winning margins in the group stage.

Their final group match, against Zimbabwe on February 19, had both teams already qualified, but the match was highlighted as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage.  Though widely expected to win, Sri Lanka’s batting fragility would become a recurring concern heading into the Super Eight.

After progressing to the Super Eight, expectations were high, but what followed was a disastrous collapse.

Sri Lanka were outplayed in Kandy, losing by 51 runs. England’s Super Eight win put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.

New Zealand delivered the knockout blow in Colombo, crushing Sri Lanka by 61 runs. Early wickets, a fragile chase and a collapse inside the powerplay ended Sri Lanka’s semifinal hopes. The defeat officially knocked them out of the tournament.

Sri Lanka will play Pakistan next, but the match is now a formality with the team already eliminated.

One of the biggest flashpoints came after Sri Lanka chose to field first at the R. Premadasa Stadium, despite failing to chase 146 in their previous outing against England. Former Indian all‑rounder Irfan Pathan publicly criticised the decision, mirroring the sentiments of Sri Lankan fans:

"Why would Sri Lanka win the toss and choose to field at RPS Colombo? After failing to chase 146 against England in the last game? When the team has lost confidence in chasing, batting looks fragile, and the pitch has turn, why chase again? Had raised this question during the pre‑show too."

The commentary was among the many sparked widespread debate online, with many Sri Lankan supporters insisting the team’s leadership "got the tactics wrong again."

Sri Lanka T20 captain Dasun Shanaka addressed the media after the heavy defeat to New Zealand, acknowledging the team’s poor performance and apologising to fans.

Across X (Twitter), Facebook groups, TikTok commentary and WhatsApp cricket communities, fans are urging a complete rebuilding of the T20 squad, some noting that several senior players seen as 'past their peak,' while others call to rebuild around younger talent.

Fans argue that the same issues have persisted across tournaments with no visible improvements. Many supporters believe that a new leadership group, including a new captain and coaching staff, is necessary to rebuild the team ahead of the next ICC event.

The anger is not aimed solely at players and coaches. A large portion of the backlash is directed at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).