Cricket – Sri Lanka have made a late change to their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following an injury setback, bringing in pace bowler Pramod Madushan as a replacement.
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has formally approved Madushan’s inclusion after Eshan Malinga was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. The decision was confirmed in an official statement released on Friday.
Eshan Malinga suffered a shoulder problem during Sri Lanka’s recent T20 International series against England cricket team. The injury has been deemed serious enough to prevent him from taking part in the upcoming global tournament.
Madushan, 25, steps into the squad as a like-for-like replacement in the pace department. The right-arm medium-fast bowler has represented Sri Lanka in 13 One Day Internationals and eight T20 Internationals so far, building a reputation as a disciplined operator capable of delivering under pressure.
Under tournament regulations, any replacement in the final squad must receive clearance from the Event Technical Committee before being officially confirmed. With that approval now secured, Madushan is eligible to participate in the competition.
The committee responsible for overseeing squad changes includes senior cricket administrators and former players. For this edition of the tournament, the panel comprises Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager – Cricket; Gaurav Saxena, representing the ICC Business Corporation; Hemang Amin, the host board’s representative; and former international cricketer Shaun Pollock, serving as the independent member.
Their role is to ensure that all replacements comply with tournament guidelines and are justified on medical or exceptional grounds. Malinga’s injury documentation was reviewed before the green light was issued.
Sri Lanka will head into the tournament under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka. The updated squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent.
The squad includes: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Pramod Madushan.
As one of the co-hosts, Sri Lanka will be aiming to make full use of familiar conditions. The team will look to draw inspiration from their memorable triumph in 2014, when they lifted the T20 World Cup trophy for the first time.
Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. Their campaign begins on February 8 against Ireland at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
Following the opening clash, Sri Lanka will take on Oman at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. They will then meet Australia at the same venue in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched matches of the group stage. The final group fixture will see them face Zimbabwe.
With home support and a balanced squad at their disposal, Sri Lanka will be hoping the late injury change does not disrupt their preparations. Much will depend on how quickly Madushan adapts to the high-stakes environment of a global tournament.
As the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues, Sri Lanka’s focus now shifts firmly to fine-tuning combinations and ensuring they begin their campaign on a strong note.
