Sri Lanka has announced a 17-member squad for the T20I series against Pakistan. Dasun Shanaka will captain the Sri Lankan team in the T20I series against Pakistan. Sri Lanka previously announced a 25-member preliminary squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, eight players have been excluded from the squad for the series against Pakistan. In the recent past, the Sri Lanka cricket team had to suffer some ups and downs. In the Asia Cup 2025, they were considered as one of the key contenders to lift the trophy, but failed to deliver. The series with Pakistan ahead of T20 World Cup 2026, will test their nerves.

Sri Lanka announced their full T20I squad

The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan begins on January 7 and the final match will be played on January 11. It’s highly likely that Sri Lanka will include these 17 players in their final squad for the T20 World Cup.

The first match of the Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan T20 series will be played on January 7th, the second on January 9th, and the final on January 11th. All three matches will be played in Dambulla. The last time Sri Lanka and Pakistan faced each other was in the tri-series final, which Pakistan won. It’s worth noting that Pakistan has not yet announced its T20 World Cup squad.

For the 2026 T20 World Cup, Pakistan has been placed in Group A, which also includes India. Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament, is placed in Group C. Australia is also in this group.

Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20I series against Pakistan: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Trevin Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Ishan Malinga