New Delhi, October 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Lanka have left former captain Charith Asalanka out of their squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan, which will also feature the hosts and England. Opener Avishka Fernando and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige have been recalled for the tournament, scheduled to take place from October 18 to 31 in Rawalpindi.
Asalanka, who served as vice-captain during Sri Lanka’s recent white-ball series against England, struggled in the ODIs, scoring just 1, 11 and 7. He has been dropped alongside injured all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who sustained a hamstring injury during the England tour.
The 29-year-old Asalanka had returned to T20I cricket during the England tour after being sidelined for six months, having last played in the 2026 World Cup. He also led Sri Lanka in T20Is in the absence of regular captain Kusal Mendis, who was recovering from a hamstring injury. Asalanka was removed as ODI captain in May 2026 but was included in the leadership group for the England series.
His exclusion from the ODI tri-series follows his omission from Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the Pakistan series, which begins on October 9.
The rest of the ODI squad remains unchanged from the team that lost the series 1-2 to England. Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera have been included despite fitness concerns. Nissanka missed the Pakistan T20Is, with Sri Lanka Cricket stating that he would travel with the team only if declared fit. Chameera’s selection for the T20Is was also subject to fitness clearance.
Sri Lanka squad for ODI tri-series: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, 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.
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