Malinga steps down as T20I skipper

Malinga's left knee - on which he lands during the delivery stride - has troubled him since November last year. He played just the opening match of the Asia Cup against the United Arab Emirates.

Lasith Malinga led Sri Lanka to a World T20 title in 2014.

Lasith Malinga has stepped down as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain ahead of the World T20 in India following a knee injury during the team’s disappointing Asia Cup campaign in Bangladesh.

All-rounder Angelo Mathews, who leads Sri Lanka in ODIs and Tests, will now lead the team in all three formats of the game, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sources said.

SLC Vice President Mohan de Silva said Malinga had written to the SLC last night offering to step down down.

“He will continue to make himself available for selections,” de Silva said.

It is speculated that the SLC management is unhappy with Malinga’s policy of selecting games and tournaments to play based on his recurring injury.

He played just the opening match of the Asia Cup against the United Arab Emirates. Sri Lanka eventually crashed out of the tournament losing to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.