Minister asks Ranatunga to step down

Colombo, June 11: Sri Lankan sports minister SB Dissanayake today accused skipper Arjuna Ranatunga of several mistakes that led to the country’s early exit from the World Cup and asked him to step down.

Dissanayake said Ranatunga, 35, should step down as captain but could continue to play.

The minister’s remarks were the first official reaction since the country’s humiliating exit from the first stage of the tournament.

Ranatunga was one of those who remained and was spared the frosty reception at Colombo airport which was in sharp contrast to the red carpet welcome Sri Lanka received after winning the previous world cup.