Colombo, Feb. 26 -- Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has called for "hard decisions" following Lanka's exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a 61-run defeat against New Zealand on Wednesday, terming the team's performance 'hurtful' and 'shameful.'

Mahroof did not soften the words while reflecting on the team's performance. "I'm going to put it very simply, it's hurtful, it's painful, and it's shameful," Maharoof told ESPNcricinfo.

The former Sri Lankan cricketer was particularly critical of the batting unit, pointing to a recurring pattern of soft dismissals in a crucial game.

"But the way some of the batters just gifted their wickets away, every other dismissal was a soft dismissal, giving the wickets...