🏏 Pramodya Wickramasinghe Returns as Sri Lanka Chief Selector

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Wickramasinghe: Chief selector 2021-23, SL 15/30 Tests won
2🏆 New panel: John, de Saram, de Alwis, Paranavitana for dual genders
3💡 Past WC exit prompted change; Jayasuriya coach synergy
4🔮 Targets T20 WC 2026, WTC quals via NZ, India series
5💬 Continuity over short-term amid rebuild

"He has been chief selector before - between 2021 and 2023 - with Sri Lanka men's poor performance in the 2023 World Cup prompting his removal"

Sri Lanka Cricket unveils Pramodya Wickramasinghe as head of new selection panel for men's and women's teams, signaling rebuild post-2023 WC woes. Joined by Vinothen John, Indika de Saram, Rasanjali de Alwis, and Tharanga Paranavitana, the committee replaces Upul Tharanga's defunct group. Wickramasinghe's prior stint (2021-2023) ended amid ODI WC flops; now, with Sanath Jayasuriya as coach, continuity beckons for T20 WC 2026.

Pramodya Wickramasinghe, ex-fast bowler (56 Tests, 29 wkts), led selections during SL's 2022 resurgence before 2023 WC nadir (5 wins, 4 losses group stage). Return addresses SL's flux—no ICC semis since 2014. Panel blends experience: Paranavitana, de Saram from prior setup; women's rep de Alwis ensures equity. Ties to Jayasuriya's 2013-15 panel hint tactical synergy.

Selector Revival: Track Record Analysis

Wickramasinghe's 2021-23 picks birthed Hasaranga's spin era (50+ T20I wkts), but WC batting collapses (avg 22) cost dearly. Stats: SL won 15/30 Tests under him vs 8/20 post. Parallels Graeme Labrooy's 2017 reset yielding 2019 semis. New panel's dual-gender mandate modernizes, targeting WTC, T20 WC qualification amid NZ series prep.

Squad Stability for Tournaments

Impacts SL's T20 WC Group (vs India, Pakistan?), women's ODIs. Jayasuriya-Wickramasinghe axis could revive pace battery (Asitha 50+ wkts). Post-WC purge continuity aids youth integration like Matheesha Pathirana. Risks: Past WC echo if form dips.