Sri Lanka Confirm T20 World Cup 2026 Squad; Dasun Shanaka Set To Lead

Sri Lanka announced their final squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, naming Dasun Shanaka as captain and leaving out Dhananjaya de Silva due to poor form.

Sri Lanka on Sunday, February 1, officially announced their final squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on February 7. The co-hosts will be led by experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, with Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis named as the two wicketkeeping options in a strong-looking squad.

One of the major talking points from the selection was the surprise inclusion of Kamindu Mendis, while seasoned all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva was left out due to his underwhelming recent form. De Silva is currently part of the ongoing T20I series against England but failed to secure a place in the squad for the 20-team global tournament.

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Russell Arnold had earlier questioned de Silva’s position, saying, “A player like Dhananjaya is useful because of his all-round ability, especially in Sri Lankan conditions. But with his present form, his place in the team is a big question.”

Meanwhile, Pramod Madhushan has been replaced by Pavan Rathnayake to complete the final squad for the tournament. Sri Lanka’s pace attack will feature Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga, while the spin department includes Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga

Placed in Group B of the multinational tournament, Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 8 in Colombo. Their second group-stage match will be against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, followed by a clash with Australia on February 16 at the same venue. Shanaka and his team will play their final group-stage match against Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium.