Check the Latest Schedule & Upcoming Matches
Advertisement

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

By Aryan Malik Published: November 18, 2025 11:36 AM IST • Updated: November 18, 2025 11:52 AM IST • 3 Min Read
Sri Lanka’s tri-series campaign in Pakistan has been disrupted as captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando have returned home due to illness. Dasun Shanaka will captain the team in their absence, and Pavan Rathnayake has been added to the squad. The tri-series, involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, starts today, with Sri Lanka’s first match against Zimbabwe on November 20. The series runs through November 29, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
Advertisement

The National Cricket Team are in at present to take part in the tri-series versus Pakistan and 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

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

Show full article
Advertisement
🔥 Breaking News

IND vs SA Head to Head, Playing XI, Players List, Match Prediction, Pitch Report | India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025

Kohli to Become No.1 ODI Batter? ICC ODI Rankings Ahead of IND vs SA 3rd ODI | ICC Team Standings

📌 Related Coverage

India vs South Africa 3rd ODI—All Details on Time, Venue, and How to Watch Live

West Indies vs New Zealand 1st Test: Day 4 Highlights and Day 5 Prediction

Aryan Malik

Author

⭐ 5+ years of experience📰 100+ articles published🏏 Cricket Specialist

Aryan is a passionate sports news author who writes articles for ICC Cricket Schedule. He specializes in cricket news, in-depth match analysis, player rankings, and fantasy cricket news.

🎓Sports Journalism Degree
🏆Award-winning Cricket Coverage
📺TV & Digital Media Expert

Recommended Stories

Cricket News

MUST READ:India vs South Africa 3rd ODI—All Details on Time, Venue, and How to Watch Live

Dec 05, 2025
Cricket News

LATEST:West Indies vs New Zealand 1st Test: Day 4 Highlights and Day 5 Prediction

Dec 05, 2025
Cricket News

POPULAR:INDIA vs SOUTH AFRICA 3rd ODI: VIZAG Pitch Report and Weather Forecast

Dec 05, 2025
Cricket News

LATEST:“Where is Shami?” - Harbhajan Singh Slams BCCI After India’s ODI Loss to South Africa

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket News

TRENDING:India vs South Africa, December 6, 2025: Virat Kohli vs Temba Bavuma in Series Decider

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket News

HOT NEWS:DO or DIE in Vizag: India’s Strongest XI for 3rd ODI vs South Africa

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket News

LATEST:Australia’s World Cup winner makes himself available for only four games in the IPL 2026

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket News

TRENDING:Just In: World Record Created! Mitchell Starc breaks Wasim Akram’s all-time record in Tests, Becomes the….

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket News

LATEST:Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025: Batters Making the Strongest Case for an IPL 2026 Payday

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket News

EXCLUSIVE:Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test - How to stream the match without paying a single rupee in India

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket How To

EXCLUSIVE:Top 5 Free Cricket Streaming Apps You Must Try in December 2025 (100% Working)

Dec 04, 2025
Cricket News

TRENDING:Rohit & Tilak Revealed India’s New T20 World Cup 2026 Jersey | India New Jersey 2026

Dec 03, 2025
Cricket News

READ NOW:Can Virat Kohli Reach 100 Centuries Before the 2027 ODI World Cup? Probability Explained

Dec 03, 2025
Cricket News

LATEST:IND vs SA: What changes have India made to their squad for the South Africa series from the Australia series?

Dec 03, 2025
Cricket News

YOU MAY LIKE:Surya to Lead as India Announce T20I Squad for the South Africa series; Vice-Captain Shubman Gill & Hardik return to the squad

Dec 03, 2025
Cricket News

LATEST:Century number 84! Virat Kohli Smashes 2nd Straight ODI Ton vs South Africa, Moves Closer to Sachin Tendulkar's 100-Century Record

Dec 03, 2025
Cricket News

POPULAR:IND vs SA: Fit again Shubman Gill all set to be picked in the Indian team for the South Africa T20Is

Dec 03, 2025
UP NEXTLIVE