Colombo, Feb. 26 -- Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has expressed concern over what he termed as "outside negativity" surrounding cricket in the country following their loss to New Zealand by 61 runs in the Super 8s of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, resulting in elimination from the tournament.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka entered the Super 8s after wins over Ireland, Oman and Australia and a loss to Zimbabwe. Following their win over Australia, many considered Sri Lanka as potential semifinalists in the tournament. However, they faced defeat in both their Super 8s matches so far--against England and Sri Lanka, and find themselves out of the tournament now.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the Sri Lanka vs New Zeala...