Sri Lanka have been forced into late but significant changes to its squad ahead of the T20I tri-series in Pakistan, with the visitors confirming that captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando will miss the tournament.
According to details, the duo have fallen ill and will not be available for any of the games. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has announced that both players will return home immediately, a move aimed at ensuring proper medical care and giving them enough time to recover before a packed international calendar next year.
With Asalanka sidelined, Sri Lanka have turned back to familiar leadership. Former captain Dasun Shanaka, one of the most experienced players in their white-ball setup, will once again take charge for the tri-series involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
The selectors have also rewarded young talent, handing a T20I call-up to Pavan Rathnayake, who made his ODI debut in the recently concluded series in Pakistan. The uncapped batter has been viewed as one of the brighter prospects in Sri Lanka’s next generation.
The squad otherwise remains close to full strength, featuring names like Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, all of whom will be expected to guide the team through challenging subcontinental conditions.
| Dasun Shanaka (c) | Pathum Nissanka | Kusal Mendis | Kusal Perera | Kamil Mishara |
| Kamindu Mendis | Pavan Rathnayake | Bhanuka Rajapaksa | Janith Liyanage | Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Dushan Hemantha | Dushmantha Chameera | Nuwan Thushara | Eshan Malinga |
The tri-series holds added importance for all three teams as they ramp up preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With Pakistan playing at home and Zimbabwe hungry for an upset, competition is expected to be intense.
As the tri-series kicks off, all eyes, particularly from the Pakistani crowd, will be on how Shanaka’s side responds after their recent struggles.
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