Colombo, October 15,2026: Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring hosts Pakistan and England after failing to obtain medical clearance to resume playing, the Sri Lanka Cricket board confirmed on Thursday.
Nissanka sustained a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s recently concluded tour of England. Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement in the 16-member squad for the seven-match tournament, scheduled to run from October 18 to 31.
Meanwhile, former Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka has been dropped from the squad following a disappointing run of form during the ODI leg of the England tour.
Asalanka, who has averaged 40.55 in 88 ODIs, scored just 1, 11 and 7 in his last three innings, prompting the selectors to leave him out of the squad.
The tri-series will feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18 before facing England at the same venue on October 20. Sri Lanka will meet England in Rawalpindi on October 22.
The tournament will then move to Lahore for the remaining group-stage matches. Pakistan will face England at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25 before taking on Sri Lanka at the same venue on October 27. Sri Lanka and England will conclude the group stage on October 29.
The top two teams will qualify for the final, scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
Pakistan head into the tournament after securing a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series. Under the leadership of Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan won the first two matches to seal the series, while Sri Lanka claimed victory in the third and final match.
Updated Sri Lanka squad for ODI tri-series: Lahiru Udara, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (captain), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
