A tri-series is scheduled to be played in Pakistan starting November 18th. In addition to Pakistan, teams from Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will participate in this series. The Sri Lankan cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of this series. Two star Sri Lankan players have suddenly left Pakistan, a significant reason for which has now emerged.
Two players suddenly left Pakistan
Previously, a one-day series was played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Following the deadly suicide attack in Islamabad, several Sri Lankan players wanted to return home due to security concerns. However, the PCB assured them of tight security, after which the visiting team decided to stay put.
The Sri Lankan cricket team has suffered a major setback just before the T20 tri-series. Team captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asith Fernando have returned home due to illness and will no longer participate in the tournament. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) confirmed the withdrawal due to illness in an official statement. The board stated that both players have been recalled to Sri Lanka to fully recover and rest ahead of the busy international schedule.
In Asalanka’s absence, former captain Dasun Shanaka has been named as the captain of the team for the tri-series. Young fast bowler Pawan Ratnayake has been included in the Sri Lankan T20 squad in place of Asith Fernando. Sri Lanka will play its first match in this series against Zimbabwe on November 20th at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. They will then face Pakistan on November 22nd. Sri Lanka will then face Zimbabwe again on November 25th. They will then play Pakistan on November 27th, with the final match scheduled for November 29th.
Sri Lanka’s updated squad for the tri-series
Dasun Shanaka (captain) Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Zenith Liyange, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Ishan Malinga, Pawan Ratnayake.