Colombo, Nov 18 (UNI) Sri Lanka announced a series of late squad changes ahead of the T20I tri-series in Pakistan, with captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando returning home due to illness.
The duo, who featured in the recently concluded ODI series, were advised by team management and medical staff to withdraw as a precaution to allow proper treatment and recovery ahead of future commitments. In Asalanka’s absence, former white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka will lead the side for the tri-series.
Sri Lanka have named Pavan Rathnayake as a replacement and included Vijayakanth Viyaskanth in the T20I squad. Viyaskanth was called up while Wanindu Hasaranga continues his recovery from hamstring tightness sustained during the ODI series. He will join the squad in Pakistan, travelling from Qatar where he represented Sri Lanka A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.
The tri-series, featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, will begin with Sri Lanka facing Zimbabwe on November 20 in Rawalpindi.
Earlier, the Sri Lanka Cricket board had instructed players to continue the tour despite safety concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad. The board said it had coordinated with the Pakistan Cricket Board and local authorities, assuring players of adequate security measures before the team proceeded.
There were changes to the original schedule: the second and third ODIs were moved to November 14 and 16 from the 13th and 15th, while the tri-series start was postponed from November 17 to November 18.
