Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series against Pakistan and England after failing to recover from a left hamstring injury. The top-order batter did not receive medical clearance, prompting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to name wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara as his replacement.
Nissanka’s absence comes after he missed the three-match T20I series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka will now prepare for the ODI tri-series before turning its attention to a two-Test assignment against Pakistan as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out As Lahiru Udara Replaces Him
Pathum Nissanka sustained a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s limited-overs tour of England in September 2026. He initially suffered a minor strain but aggravated the injury after continuing to play despite discomfort.
The opener struggled during the third ODI against England, and the injury subsequently forced him to miss the entire T20I series against Pakistan. His recovery remained incomplete, and the medical staff did not clear him to participate in the upcoming tri-series.
Sri Lanka Cricket has named Lahiru Udara as his replacement. The wicketkeeper-batter will provide another option at the top of the order while offering backup wicketkeeping cover for the tournament.
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026: Full Schedule And Venues
The tri-series will take place in Pakistan from October 18 to 31, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Hosts Pakistan will open the tournament against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18 before facing England at the same venue on October 20.
Sri Lanka will play England in the final Rawalpindi fixture on October 22. The tournament will then move to Lahore, where Pakistan will take on England at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25.
Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in Lahore on October 27, followed by Sri Lanka’s final league match against England on October 29. The top two teams will qualify for the final, scheduled to take place at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
The six league matches will give all three sides opportunities to test their combinations before the title decider. Sri Lanka will look to remain competitive despite losing Pathum Nissanka, while Pakistan and England will aim to build momentum throughout the tournament.
Sri Lanka Squad For Pakistan ODI Tri-Series And Test Schedule
Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka’s updated 16-member squad. The selection includes Lahiru Udara as the replacement for Pathum Nissanka, alongside established players and several batting, all-round and bowling options.
Sri Lanka’s updated squad for the tri-series:
Lahiru Udara, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c), 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.
After the tri-series final, Sri Lanka will play a three-day warm-up match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 to prepare for the Test series. The two Tests against Pakistan will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
The opening Test is scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by the second match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
Also read: Sri Lanka Test squad for Pakistan series announced, Pathum Nissanka doubtful
