Sri Lanka have named their squad for the forthcoming T20I series versus Pakistan, reinstating Kusal Mendis as captain after his absence from the England tour owing to a hamstring injury. Mendis succeeds Charith Asalanka, who led the team during that England campaign.
The Sri Lankan side endured a tough T20I tour of England, losing the series 3‑0. The selection panel has introduced six changes for the Pakistan fixtures, with Mendis among those recalled. The three‑match series is scheduled for Rawalpindi on 9, 11 and 13 October.
Kusal Mendis Resumes Sri Lanka Captaincy
Mendis was omitted from the England tour due to a hamstring injury but has now recovered and earned a place in the Pakistan T20I squad. His return sees Charith Asalanka step down from the captaincy after leading the side in Mendis’ absence. Sri Lanka will still be without Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, both sidelined by injury.
Hasaranga sustained lower‑back discomfort during a training session before England’s first ODI and was sent home. Dushmantha Chameera has been named in the squad with an asterisk, his availability contingent on fitness.
Sahan Arachchige Recalled After Impressive LPL Campaign
Sahan Arachchige earns a recall to the T20I side following a strong showing in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), where he amassed 240 runs at an average of 34.27 and a strike rate of 147.23. The selectors have also awarded a T20I debut to 21‑year‑old top‑order batter Sineth Jayawardena. Though Jayawardena has not yet played in the LPL, he impressed in domestic cricket last month with centuries in both List A and T20 formats.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe is also back in the squad. The all‑rounder made his T20I debut against India in 2024 and has featured in just three internationals to date. Spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has been added as well. The three‑match T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 9, 11 and 13 October.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad: Kusal Mendis (c), 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, Dushmantha Chameera
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