Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Dhananjaya de Silva Steps Down as Sri Lanka Test Captain
Dhananjaya de Silva has stopped being the captain of Sri Lanka's Test cricket team.
He said he thinks younger players should get the chance to lead next.
The change takes effect right away.
He will still be available to play for the team.
De Silva became captain in January 2024.
Under his leadership, Sri Lanka won seven of 18 Test matches.
The Sri Lanka Cricket chief thanked him for his leadership.
Sri Lanka's next Test series will be against Pakistan and will have two matches.
Dhananjaya de Silva resigned as Sri Lanka's Test captain on Thursday, with the change taking effect immediately.
He said he believes the leadership mantle should pass to the next generation.
De Silva will remain available to play for Sri Lanka's men's national team.
He was appointed captain in January 2024 and led the team in 18 Tests, winning seven.
Sri Lanka's next Test assignment is a two-match series against Pakistan, beginning November 9 in Rawalpindi.
- Who
- Dhananjaya de Silva and Sri Lanka's men's Test team.
- What
- De Silva resigned as Test captain but remains available as a player.
- When
- He announced his resignation on Thursday; it takes effect immediately.
- Where
- The announcement was made in a letter to Sri Lanka's selection committee.
- Why
- He said the leadership mantle should pass to the next generation.
- Captaincy appointment
- January 2024
- Tests as captain
- 18
- Wins as captain
- 7
- Runs as captain
- 1,130 at an average of 36.45
- Wickets as captain
- 9, at a bowling average of 44.44
- Next Test assignment
- Two-match series against Pakistan, beginning November 9 in Rawalpindi
- Possible captaincy candidate
- Kusal Mendis is among the players selectors may consider