Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the upcoming Tri-Series—which also features Pakistan and Zimbabwe—due to an upper respiratory tract infection. In his absence, Asitha Fernando has been drafted into the T20I squad. Meanwhile, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has made a long-awaited return to the national T20I side, having last represented Sri Lanka at the beginning of this year.
Adding to Sri Lanka’s injury concerns, Dilshan Madushanka has been sidelined with a knee injury and was not considered for selection in the ODI squad.
The selectors have also confirmed that Dunith Wellalage, who will captain Sri Lanka A in the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup, will travel to Doha, which means he will miss both the ODI series and the T20I Tri-Series.
Despite topping the run charts in the SLC T20 Tournament, Nuwanidu Fernando has been omitted from the squad. His relatively modest strike rate of 124 is believed to have worked against him in the final selection.
Uncapped 23-year-old batter Pavan Rathnayake has been handed a maiden call-up to the ODI squad, following a string of consistent performances in domestic cricket. His inclusion highlights the selectors’ intent to reward young, emerging talent.
Below are the full squads for both formats:
| Format | Squad |
|---|---|
| ODIs | Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga |
| T20I Tri-Series | Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (vice-capt), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga |
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee noted that both Pathirana and Madushanka are under close medical supervision and will undergo further assessment before being cleared for future international fixtures.
With Rajapaksa’s return, Sri Lanka’s middle order is expected to gain more firepower and experience, while Asalanka’s leadership will be tested in managing a squad that blends youth with seasoned internationals.