Colombo, October 2,2026: Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday announced a 15-member squad for the three-match T20 series against Pakistan, with regular captain Kusal Mendis returning to lead the side while stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka was left out.
Asalanka had led Sri Lanka during their 3-0 T20 series defeat against England last month in the absence of Mendis, who missed the series due to injury.
The squad includes several players currently representing Sri Lanka at the Asian Games. Sahan Arachchige, Sineth Jayawardena and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth will compete for the bronze medal on October 3 before joining the national team.
Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana and Viyaskanth provide the spin options, while Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga form the pace attack.
Asitha Fernando, who took seven wickets in Sri Lanka’s recent ODI series against England, is not included in the T20 squad.
Sri Lanka will also be without Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, both ruled out with injuries. The two players could return for the ODI tri-series, subject to fitness clearances.
Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches against Pakistan in Rawalpindi from October 9 to 13.
The three-team ODI series, also featuring England, will begin on October 18.
Sri Lanka Cricket said the national team will depart for Pakistan on Sunday.
Sri Lanka T20 squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga and Dushmantha Chameera.
