Injuries Sideline Key Sri Lankan Players Ahead of England T20I Series

Injuries Impact Sri Lanka's T20I Squad

Sri Lanka's white-ball captain, Kusal Mendis, will be absent from the upcoming T20I series against England. Additionally, left-arm pacer Binura Fernando has also been ruled out. Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that both athletes are currently in rehabilitation due to injuries they sustained during the Lanka Premier League 2026, as reported by the ICC.

Sri Lanka's Tour of England: Match Schedule

The Sri Lankan team is set to kick off their tour of England with a three-match T20I series. The first match is slated for September 15 in Southampton, followed by the second T20I in Cardiff on September 17, and concluding with the third match in Manchester on September 19. After the T20Is, the teams will compete in a three-match ODI series, starting in Chester-le-Street on September 22, with the second ODI in Leeds on September 24, and the final match at The Oval on September 27.

Details on Injuries and Squad Adjustments

Kusal Mendis is recovering from a right hamstring injury, while Binura Fernando is rehabilitating from a back injury. As a result, both players have been excluded from the T20I squad for the series against England. Mendis was initially named captain for both the T20I and ODI teams, while Fernando was included in the T20I lineup. Pavan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka have been appointed as their replacements. Although Kusal remains part of the ODI squad, Charith Asalanka will lead the T20I team.

Revised T20I Squad

The updated T20I squad includes: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, and Dilshan Madushanka.