Sri Lanka have announced a strong 15-member squad for the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup T20, with star all-rounder Dunith Wellalage appointed as captain. The team includes nine players with international experience, reflecting Sri Lanka’s intent to field a competitive side for the tournament.
The Rising Stars Asia Cup will commence in Doha, Qatar, on 14 November. This competition, which had been known since 2013 as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, has undergone a rebranding to better represent its broader inclusion of both established and upcoming talents.
Previously, the tournament required teams to field Under-23 squads, with only a few senior players allowed. However, the age restriction has now been lifted. Consequently, ICC full-member nations are sending their ‘A’ teams, while associate members are participating with their national sides.
Apart from Wellalage, Sri Lanka’s squad features several players who have already represented the national team, including Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Milan Ratnayake, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Pramod Madushan, and Lasith Croospulle.
Rising talent Vishen Halambage, who recently received a national call-up but is yet to make his debut, has also been included in the line-up.
Sri Lanka have been drawn into Group A, alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The islanders will open their campaign against Afghanistan on 15 November.
Sri Lanka Rising Stars Squad
| Player | Role / Notes |
|---|---|
| Dunith Wellalage | Captain, all-rounder |
| Vishen Halambage | Yet to make international debut |
| Nishan Madushka | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | Batter |
| Lasith Croospulle | Batter |
| Ramesh Mendis | All-rounder |
| Kavindu de Livera | Batter |
| Sahan Arachchige | Batter |
| Ahan Wickramasinghe | Batter |
| Pramod Madushan | Fast bowler |
| Garuka Sanketh | Spinner |
| Isitha Wijesundara | Batter |
| Milan Ratnayake | Bowling all-rounder |
| Vijayakanth Viyaskanth | Leg-spinner |
| Travin Mathew | All-rounder |
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board expressed confidence that the blend of international experience and young energy will make this side one of the tournament’s leading contenders. The competition is also viewed as an ideal platform for emerging players to prove their worth on an international stage and press for senior team selection in the near future.