Dasun Shanaka does a ‘Phil Collins’
Live Aid took place simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London, UK, and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, USA, over 5,700 kilometers apart. More than 26 artists and bands performed at Wembley, while nearly 50 acts took the stage in Philadelphia.
Wmbley to JFK Stadium - Phil Collins before leaving London Heathrow
So, what made Phil Collins stand out among nearly 80 artists and bands at the 1985 Live Aid? He was the only performer to appear at both venues while the event was aired live worldwide. With a time difference of five hours and a distance of over 5,700 kilometers, Collins left Wembley at around 4:00 p.m., boarded a Concorde, and after a grueling transatlantic journey, performed for nearly an hour at JFK Stadium.
Nearly 40 years later, former Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka nearly broke Collins’ record, playing for two teams—one at the SSC in Colombo and the other for the Dubai Capitals in Dubai. On January 28, Shanaka played for Dubai Capitals against Sharjah Warriors in the ongoing ILT20 and then flew to Sri Lanka to represent Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), his domestic club. On the second day, February 1, coming in at No.7 against Moors SC, with his team struggling at 77-5, Shanaka smashed 123 runs off just 87 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes, continuing his fine form from the UAE. In the UAE, Shanaka was engaged in a high-intensity T20 competition, while in Colombo, he was fighting to help his team survive in Sri Lanka’s premier three-day tournament.
Dasun Shanaka slammed 34 off 12 balls in the evening in Dubai after hitting a 87-ball 123 at the SSC earlier in the day
On February 2, 2025, the final day of the three-day match against Moors SC at P. Sara Oval, SSC was set a target of 309 runs but had a limited number of overs to chase it. They ended the day at 105-1 in 14 overs, resulting in a draw. Moors, having batted nearly one and a half days, declared at 412-9 after 116.1 overs. Shanaka contributed as a bowler, delivering 21 overs and taking one wicket for 76 runs.
SSC responded with 275 in 64 overs, with Shanaka steadying the innings alongside captain Charith Asalanka. He remained unbeaten on 39 at stumps on February 1, before going on to complete his epic century the next day. Moors then declared their second innings at 171-6 in 46 overs, setting SSC a challenging target. However, Shanaka was advised to rest by the medical team after being hit by a delivery.
But then came a shocking twist—just four hours after the match ended at P. Sara Oval in Colombo, Shanaka appeared at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for Dubai Capitals’ ILT20 match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, which began at 7:30 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. Sri Lanka time). This was despite being ruled out of the match due to a concussion.
Miraculously, Shanaka took the field for the Capitals, batting at No.5 and smashing 34 off 12 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, helping his team post 217-4 in 20 overs. Dubai Capitals then restricted the Knight Riders to 191-5, securing a 26-run victory. Astonishingly, almost a day later, he played again for the Capitals against Desert Vipers in Sharjah.
The former Sri Lanka white-ball skipper’s actions are now under scrutiny, as he failed to inform either the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) tournament committee or his club, SSC, about his trip to Dubai while the domestic match was still ongoing.
“It’s unacceptable,” said Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva, confirming that an inquiry would be launched against Shanaka.
Shanaka, along with Asalanka and Avishka Fernando, had been recalled from the ILT20 by SSC, as the club faced the threat of relegation with just two wins and four draws in six games.
“He was asked to rest after lunch, and we had no idea he had left the team and flown to Dubai,” said Samantha Dodanwela, Chairman of the SSC Cricket House Committee and the SLC Tournament Committee.
“Since I’m involved with SSC, I prefer not to intervene, but I have requested the SLC to take necessary action,” he added.
It seems that Shanaka preplanned his travel to the UAE that day, and there are even suspicions that he may have faked his injury to leave his club team before the match ended to play for his franchise team. Phil Collins performed in 1985 without charging a fee on humanitarian grounds, and Shanaka’s side of the story is still a mystery to many – his club, the SSC, SLC and its tournament committee. So, what do Shanaka’s and Collins’ ocean-crossing journeys have in common?