Colombo, Feb. 26 -- Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka attributed the team's disappointing Super Eight exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to external pressure that impacted negatively and subpar fitness standards following their 61-run loss to New Zealand in Colombo.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shanaka said constant negativity surrounding the team was affecting players mentally.
"As players, it's very hard for us to control the outside noise. Most of the time, we mainly hear negative stuff, so no matter how positive we are as players, there is a negative environment created from the outside," he said.
He said such an atmosphere was harmful to the future of cricket in the country and urged authorities to intervene.
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