Lasith Malinga blocks Sri Lanka from sacking Charith Asalanka for leaving Pakistan tour after bomb blast

Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has defended white-ball captain Charith Asalanka amid reports of him being sacked from leadership by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board. According to multiple reports in the island nation, Asalanka is at risk of losing his captaincy after leaving the ongoing Pakistan tour.

Several Sri Lankan players wanted to return home after the deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad, which revived painful memories of the 2009 Lahore terror attack. The Sri Lankan team bus was ambushed by gunmen in Lahore, leaving players injured and multiple security personnel and civilians dead.

Charith Asalanka and Asitha Fernando To Return Home Due To Illness

A deadly bombing occurred in Islamabad, roughly 17 km from the team hotel in Rawalpindi. The blast killed several people and raised immediate concerns within the visiting camp. Sri Lanka Cricket responded by issuing firm instructions for all players and support staff to remain in Pakistan.

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The board warned that anyone leaving over security fears could face a formal review. Amid the uncertainty, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the Sri Lankan contingent and assured them of maximum protection. Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, convinced the team to continue with the tour.

SLC announced that captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando would return home due to illness. The board did not specify the nature of their conditions but said the decision was taken so both players could receive appropriate medical care ahead of a busy cricket calendar.

“Two Players Returning Home: Captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando, both suffering from illness, will return home. The two players will not take part in the upcoming tri-series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe," the SLC wrote on ‘X’.

Spoke For All The Other Players Under You - Lasith Malinga Backs Charith Asalanka

Charith Asalanka played a role in discussions within the squad after the Islamabad bombing. He reportedly led the internal talks and supported the idea of leaving the tour, though the move did not succeed.

Lasith Malinga commented on the situation through a Facebook post. Without revealing details, he expressed sympathy for Asalanka, saying the captain was facing consequences despite speaking up for his teammates. Malinga added that he looked forward to seeing Asalanka at the T20 World Cup.

“As a leader, you spoke for all the other players under you," Malinga said. “Today, it seems that you are carrying the consequences alone, Chariya. If you did not speak for all the players, then they would still call you a spineless leader today. [Respect] for having the courage to speak out. See you at the T20 World Cup."

Charith Asalanka Replaced By Dasun Shanaka As Sri Lanka Skipper

Sri Lanka have made a leadership change ahead of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe tri-series in Rawalpindi. Dasun Shanaka took over as captain after Charith Asalanka was ruled out due to illness. The team also brought in Vijayakanth Viyaskanth to replace Asitha Fernando.

They will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Zimbabwe suffered a five-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the series opener and will be eager to register their first victory.

Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 defeat in the ODI series. They will be hoping to start the T20I leg on a stronger note. The team is also coming off a disappointing Asia Cup campaign, where they topped their group but failed to progress past the Super Fours.

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