Sri Lanka Squad Hit by Security Fears: Two key Sri Lankan Players Exit T20I Tri-Series Hosted by Pakistan amid safety concerns

The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team are in Pakistan at present to take part in the tri-series versus Pakistan and Zimbabwe and the sxcitement levels for the tri-series are at an all time. However, the Sri Lankans have suffered a massive blow ahead of the commencement of this bilateral event. Skipper Charith Asalanka & seamer Asith Fernando have decided to not participate in the tri-series and have gone back home, as confirmed by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) on Tuesday.

According to the cricket governing body of Sri Lanka, the two players have flew back home to Sri Lanka due to falling ill, further stating that this precautionary measure has been taken to ensure that the two affected players will get proper medical-attention and ample amount of time to recover ahead of the forthcoming series and matches.

"Captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando, who are both unwell, will head back home," confirmed the SLC. The two players will miss the upcoming tri-series involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.This precautionary measure guarantees they receive appropriate care and adequate time to recuperate before their next commitments."

It was also confirmed by the SLC that veteran all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will handle the leadership responsibilities of the team in the forthcoming tri-series in the absence of Charith Aasalanka, while Pavan Rathnayake - a top-order batsman has been added to the squad as a backup.

"Dasun Shanaka will captain Sri Lanka in the tri-series as Asalanka is not available. The T20I team has recruited Pavan Rathnayake as a substitute".

It's worth noting that the T20 International tri-nation series is slated to commence today with home-side Pakistan squaring off with Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. The Sri Lankans will kickoff their tri-series campaign versus Zimbabwe before squaring off with the Shaheens on the 22nd of November.

Each Team is entitled to take part in a total of 4 games during the league-phase stafe, with the top-2 sides advancing to the grand-final, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi on the 29th of November.

Sri Lanka's updated-squad for the tri-nation series: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Nuwan Thushara, Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asitha Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dushan Hemantha, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Pavan Rathnayake , Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamil Mishara

Full-Schedule of the Tri-nation series hosted by Pakistan

18th of November - Zimbabwe versus Pakistan
20th of November - Zimbabwe versus Sri Lanka
22nd of November - Sri Lanka versus Pakistan
23rd of November - Zimbabwe versus Pakistan
25th of November - Sri Lanka versus Zimbabwe
27th of November - Sri Lanka versus Pakistan
29th of November - Grand Finale

India’s Spin Woes at Home: Gambhir’s Men Forget How to Play Spin—First New Zealand, Now South Africa—Who is to Blame?