Sri Lanka’s dream run in the T20 World Cup came crashing down in heartbreaking fashion. After dazzling in the group stage with a stunning victory over Australia, the co-hosts faltered spectacularly in the Super 8 phase. Consecutive defeats against England and New Zealand sealed their fate, leaving fans stunned and former players fuming.
Farveez Maharoof, the ex-allrounder known for his fiery pace, didn’t mince words in his ESPNcricinfo interview. ‘This is painful, embarrassing, and shameful,’ he declared. He ripped into the batting display, pointing out how batsmen threw away their wickets on innocuous deliveries. ‘Except for Pathum Nissanka, everyone got out to soft balls. Just like against England where all ten wickets were soft dismissals.’
Maharoof highlighted a deeper malaise gripping Sri Lankan cricket. ‘This has been going on for seven-eight years. We play one good game, expectations soar, and then we collapse. It’s a bad habit.’ He urged selectors to wake up post-World Cup. ‘They need to think about the future, pick players on merit. I hope tough decisions come in the next few weeks. If not, I’ll be shocked.’
The defeat against New Zealand was the final nail. Sri Lanka’s Super 8 campaign exposed glaring weaknesses in their lineup. Fans who dared dream of semifinal glory now face reality. Their last match against Pakistan on February 28 in Pallekele offers no redemption – just a formality.
As Sri Lanka licks its wounds, the cricket board faces mounting pressure. Maharoof’s call for overhaul resonates amid calls for accountability. Will sweeping changes restore pride, or is this the new normal for Island cricket?