Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan. Dushmantha Chameera has also returned to the squad, although his selection remains subject to fitness, while several players have been included as part of a reshuffle.
The squad will depart for Pakistan on October 4, with the T20Is scheduled for October 9, 11, and 13 in Rawalpindi. The series comes at the start of a packed assignment, with the team set to play an ODI tri-series involving England before facing Pakistan in two Tests in November.
Kusal Mendis Gets Fresh Opportunity to Lead Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis has been named captain of the side after the selectors made several changes to the T20I setup. The wicketkeeper-batter is also expected to open the batting.
Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, and Sahan Arachchige are among the players included in the revamped group. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka add international experience, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Dunith Wellalage provide further all-round options.
The bowling group has a mix of youth and experience. Maheesh Theekshana and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth are the specialist spinners, while Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga form the main pace options.
Dushmantha Chameera is also part of the squad, but he will need to prove his fitness before taking part in the series. His availability could add valuable experience to the bowling attack.
Sri Lanka T20I squad: Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera (subject to fitness).
Selectors Reshape T20I Group After Difficult Results
Sri Lanka have been struggling in recent T20I matches. The team suffered a 124-run defeat against India in the Asian Games semi-final in Nisshin after being dismissed for only 45 in 9.5 overs while chasing 170.
Their quarter-final against Nepal was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain. Sri Lanka progressed to the semi-finals on the basis of their superior ICC ranking before their campaign ended against India.
Sri Lanka also suffered a 3-0 T20I series defeat against England in September. England won the three matches by 119 runs, six wickets, and eight wickets respectively.
However, there were positive signs earlier in the year. The team reached the second group stage of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup and won their T20I series in the West Indies 2-1 in June.
Three T20Is Begin Action-Packed Pakistan Assignment
The first T20I will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9. The second match is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, while the series will conclude at the same venue on Tuesday, October 13.
All three matches will be played as night fixtures, with the action starting at 8:00 PM PKT (8:30 PM IST). The squad will then have to quickly adjust to another format as the tour moves into the ODI leg.
The ODI Tri-Nation Series involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England will be played from October 18 to 31, with matches scheduled across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The assignment will conclude with two ICC World Test Championship matches against Pakistan. The first Test is scheduled in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, followed by the second in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
