Mathews replaces 'injury-plagued' Malinga as skipper for World T20

Sri Lanka have named Angelo Mathews as skipper for shortest format of the game after Lasith Malinga stepped down from the post ahead of World T20.

Malinga's decision came in the wake of the side's dismal performance in the recently-concluded Asia Cup, where they were beaten by hosts Bangladesh thus making an exit from the tournament.

Malinga, however, has also been undergoing slow recovery from knee injury which he sustained during the West Indies series last year.

With the resignation, all -rounder Mathews, who captains Sri Lanka in ODIs and Tests, will now lead the side in all the three formats of the game.

Mohan de Silva, secretary of the Sri Lanka cricket board, confirmed the news, saying that Mathews would be the new captain and Dinesh Chandimal would be the vice-captain.

De Silva, however, said that the Malinga has only left the captaincy role and he would continue to remain in the squad, Sport24 reported.

Earlier, Malinga had hinted that he might call curtains on his illustrious international career at the end of the T20 pinnacle event.

Sri Lanka will play their opening World T20 match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 17.