Selectors under radar as nominations open
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has called for nominations to join the National Team Selection Committee, signalling potential changes into the selection panel headed by Upul Tharanga. In a letter dated October 23, 2025, board secretary Bandula Dissanayake urged SLC members to submit their nominees by November 5, emphasising that late submissions would not be considered.
The move comes amid growing scrutiny of the current selection panel, comprising Tharanga, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavithana, and Indika de Saram. Dilruwan Perera, initially part of the 2023-appointed committee, resigned to focus on coaching commitments.
Sri Lanka Cricket has called nominations from its membership for potential national selectors
The panel faced its latest test during the recent Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka suffered defeats in all their Super Four encounters. Tactical errors and team selection decisions drew widespread criticism, while Charith Asalaka’s leadership as the skipper, came under particular scrutiny. Despite the criticism, selectors have consistently defended the captain, stating that backing young leadership is crucial for long-term stability.
The existing panel, appointed in December 2023, assumed office in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign, in which the team managed just two wins from nine matches and failed to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka’s performance under the current committee has been mixed across formats. In Test cricket, the team currently ranks sixth in the world, having played 14 matches with seven wins, six losses, and one draw. This record reflects competitiveness but leaves clear room for improvement. One Day Internationals (ODIs) have been a relative bright spot, with Sri Lanka winning 12 of 18 games in 2024, including notable home series victories over India (2-0) and New Zealand (2-0). In 2025, the team maintained momentum, winning seven of 10 matches, highlighted by a 2-0 series triumph over Australia at home.
T20 cricket, however, remains a concern. Sri Lanka lost 12 of 22 matches in 2024 and seven of 12 in 2025, leaving the team ranked eighth globally. Observers have raised questions over both player selection and tactical approaches, underlining the need for a review of the committee’s methods.
SLC’s call for nominations suggests the board is actively exploring options to refresh the selection panel. Whether this will lead to a complete overhaul or merely reaffirm confidence in the current committee remains uncertain. Analysts suggest the board’s decision could have far-reaching implications, influencing squad composition, captaincy strategies, and Sri Lanka’s approach to major international tournaments in the coming years.