Sri Lanka, Sept. 19 -- Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena urged fans and media to respect the privacy of Dunith Wellalage and his family following the sudden passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage, on Thursday night (18).

Dunith, who learned of the tragedy inside the dressing room in Abu Dhabi after Sri Lanka's group-stage match, returned home to Colombo this morning accompanied by team manager Mahinda Halangoda. Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, visibly emotional, consoled the young all-rounder before he left for Sri Lanka.

The squad, who had just secured a vital victory to top their group, remained stunned and subdued, leaving the stadium in silence instead of celebration. With a Super Four fixture against Bangladesh scheduled ...