Sri Lanka Unveils Squad for 2026 Asian Games Cricket Tournament

Sri Lanka has revealed its 15-member cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games, led by Sahan Arachchige. The team is determined to reclaim a podium finish after not securing a medal in the 2023 edition. Departing for Japan on September 24, the squad features a mix of experienced players and newcomers, including key all-rounders and bowlers. With a history of success in the Asian Games, Sri Lanka aims to return to glory after their last gold in 2014. Discover the full squad and their aspirations as the competition approaches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2026, 00:17 IST

Sri Lanka's Squad Announcement for Asian Games 2026

Colombo [Sri Lanka], September 22: Sri Lanka has officially announced a 15-member team for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, with Sahan Arachchige appointed as captain. The team aims to reclaim a podium finish in men's cricket after failing to secure a medal in the 2023 event held in Hangzhou.

The squad is set to depart for Japan on September 24, ahead of the T20I competition featuring ten teams, scheduled from September 24 to October 3. Matches will take place at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, as per the ICC's official information.

This team comprises a blend of seasoned players and newcomers, including all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, along with batting talents Ashen Bandara and Sohan de Livera.

Additionally, leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has been selected, enhancing the spin options in Sri Lanka's bowling lineup.

Notably, this squad differs significantly from the one that recently participated in a three-match T20I series against England, which Sri Lanka won 3-0.

Only Nuwan Thushara and Tharindu Ratnayake are retained from the previous squad. Charith Asalanka led the team in England after Kusal Mendis, the initially appointed captain, and Binura Fernando were sidelined due to injuries. Fernando has since recovered and is part of the Asian Games lineup.

Cricket has featured in the Asian Games three times since its introduction at the 2010 Guangzhou Games. Sri Lanka secured a bronze medal in Guangzhou and followed it up with a gold in Incheon in 2014. However, they returned from Hangzhou in 2023 empty-handed, with India winning gold, Afghanistan taking silver, and Bangladesh earning bronze.

As the competition approaches, Sri Lanka is eager to return to the Asian Games podium for the first time since their 2014 victory.

Sri Lanka Squad: Sahan Arachchige (c), Lasith Croospulle, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Sineth Jayawardena, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sohan de Livera, Ashen Bandara, Chamika Karunaratne, Tharindu Ratnayake, Wanuja Sahan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushan Hemantha, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Garuka Sanketh.