Sri Lanka, the co-host of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, has announced its 15-member squad. The Sri Lankan selectors have handed over the command of the team to all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. The biggest decision in the team was the exclusion of experienced player Dhananjay de Silva, who was struggling with poor form in recent times.
Kamindu Mendis has returned to the squad released by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), who has got a chance in place of De Silva. The team includes key T20 specialists like Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahish Teekshana and Mathisha Pathirana, who will strengthen the team’s bowling attack. The responsibility of batting will be on players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka.
It is noteworthy that T20 World Cup 2026 is being organized jointly by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will start from 7th February. Sri Lanka won its only T20 World Cup title in 2014, when it defeated India in the final to lift the trophy.
Dasun Shanaka (captain)Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Zenith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Velalage, Mahish Teekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana, Ishan Malinga.
The Sri Lankan team will start its campaign on 8 February against Ireland in Colombo. The schedule of the team’s initial matches is as follows:
