By: Staff Writer
February 26, Colombo (LNW): Following Sri Lanka’s disappointing defeat to New Zealand yesterday (25), former national captain Kumar Sangakkara has called for sweeping changes across the country’s cricketing structure, warning that failure to evolve could leave the team trailing behind the modern game.
Taking to social media platform X, Sangakkara spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the loss, acknowledging the frustration felt by supporters and players alike. He noted that such defeats weigh heavily within the dressing room, recalling his own experiences during difficult periods in his playing career.
“There is a lot of hurt all round. The fans devastated, disappointed, angry. The players are hurting badly too. I have been in similar dressing rooms. It’s not easy. But this responsibility comes with the turf,” Sangakkara wrote.
He pointed out that representing one’s country is both an honour and a heavy responsibility, and expressed sympathy for the current players. He also he stressed that accountability comes hand in hand with wearing the national colours.
“There is a lot of work to be done at all levels to course correct. We can’t do the same things over and over and expect different results when the cricket world around us has evolved so quickly. We haven’t adapted and the danger is irrelevance,” he noted.
There is a lot of hurt all round. The fans devastated , disappointed , angry. The players are hurting badly too. I have been in similar dressing rooms. It’s not easy. But this responsibility comes with the turf. It’s a burden and a great privilege to represent your country and
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) February 26, 2026