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The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team has suffered a double injury blow ahead of their upcoming three-match T20I series against England, with Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando ruled out of the tour.
Mendis and Fernando will miss Sri Lanka’s upcoming three-match T20I series against England, as both players are still recovering from injuries picked up during the Lanka Premier League 2026. Amid this, Sri Lanka faces a ₹188 crore loss after losing Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 hosting rights.
Sri Lanka hit by double injury blow ahead of England T20I series as Kusal Mendis gets ruled out
Kusal Mendis is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a right hamstring injury, while Binura Fernando is recovering from a back injury. They will not be able to recover in time to join the Sri Lanka squad for the England tour, starting next week.
As a result, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Panel has made quick changes to the squad. Pavan Rathnayake has been added as Mendis’ replacement, while Dilshan Madushanka has been brought into the team for Fernando for the upcoming T20I series in England.
With Mendis unavailable, Charith Asalanka will take charge as Sri Lanka’s captain for the T20I series. The absence of Mendis and Fernando opens the door for Rathnayake and Madushanka to make a big impact in the challenging tour of England.
Sri Lanka’s updated T20I squad for England tour:
Pavan Rathnayake, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka.
Meanwhile, the Islanders will also play three ODIs on the upcoming tour of England. For this ODI series, Kusal Mendis is likely to be fit and ready to lead Sri Lanka against England. Amid this, The Hundred gets major rule changes ahead of 2027 season.
Sri Lanka’s ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
England vs Sri Lanka Series Schedule:
First T20I: 15 September at the Rose Bowl, Southampton
Second T20I: 17 September at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Third T20I: 19 September at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
First ODI: 22 September at Chester-le-Street stadium, Durham
Second ODI: 24 September at the Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds
Third ODI: 27 September at The Oval, Kennington
Sri Lanka lose hosting rights for inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy
Earlier, the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy was shifted from Sri Lanka to India. The ICC has removed Sri Lanka as the host because of ongoing issues involving Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and government interference.
Sri Lanka Cricket is still working on the reforms required by the ICC after the matter was discussed at the governing body’s annual conference in July. However, the situation has now resulted in Sri Lanka losing the hosting rights.
Bangladesh and South Africa had also shown interest in hosting the six-team tournament. However, the ICC Board has officially approved India as the replacement host. The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy matches will be played in Mumbai and Vadodara.
While the men’s event is played in the 50-over format, the women’s Champions Trophy will be a T20 tournament. The six teams taking part are Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. These teams qualified based on their rankings at the cut-off date of July 6.
