Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday announced the men’s squads for the upcoming limited-overs tour of Pakistan, which includes a three-match One Day International (ODI) series and a T20I tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe.
Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in both formats, marking his first assignment as full-time white-ball captain as the team returns to international action.
The ODI squad features several experienced campaigners alongside emerging talent. However, there have been key changes due to injuries. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, originally named in the squad, was ruled out after sustaining a knee injury and has been replaced by Eshan Malinga. Meanwhile, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana will miss the tour owing to an upper respiratory tract infection, with Asitha Fernando taking his place.
Sri Lanka last faced Pakistan during the Asia Cup Super Fours, where Pakistan claimed victory to book their place in the final. The upcoming series will give both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their white-ball combinations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan enter the series on the back of a busy home season, which included two Tests against Sri Lanka that ended 1-1, followed by a 2-1 T20I series win over South Africa. They are currently level 1-1 in a three-match ODI series against the Proteas.
The ODI squad for Sri Lanka includes: Charith Asalanka (captain), 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, and Eshan Malinga.
The T20I squad features: Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka (vice-captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, and Eshan Malinga.
