Sri Lanka Name New Captain, Announce Preliminary Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Overview

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced Dasun Shanaka as the new T20 captain ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. A 25 member preliminary squad has also been revealed, with Charith Asalanka remaining part of the team despite the leadership change.

Sri Lanka announce 25 member preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Image Source: Instagram/@officialslc —Edited & Modified by Us

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially confirmed a major leadership change ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Dasun Shanaka has been appointed as the new captain, replacing Charith Asalanka, while a 25 player preliminary squad has also been unveiled.

Leadership Change Ahead of World Cup

The decision to change the captaincy comes shortly after Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan. During that series, Charith Asalanka led the team in the first two One Day Internationals before returning home midway due to illness.

In Asalanka absence, Kusal Mendis took over the captaincy for the third ODI against Pakistan. Meanwhile Dasun Shanaka was given leadership responsibilities during the T20I tri series that also featured Zimbabwe.

Tri Series Performance Under Shanaka

Under Shanaka captaincy, Sri Lanka delivered a strong performance in the T20I tri series. The team progressed to the final but fell short against the hosts, Pakistan, finishing as runners-up.

Despite the loss, the team management viewed Shanaka leadership positively, which played a key role in the decision to reinstate him as captain for the global event.

Selectors Explain Captaincy Decision

Chief selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe confirmed that the appointment of Dasun Shanaka was made after detailed discussions with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and head of high performance Jerome Jayaratne.

Wickramasinghe stated that Shanaka will lead the team until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, emphasizing that the decision was taken with long term planning in mind.

He also revealed that the previously selected list of 25 players was retained as the official preliminary squad after consultations with the coaching and high performance staff.

Asalanka Retained in World Cup Squad

Although Charith Asalanka has been relieved of captaincy duties, he remains an important part of Sri Lanka plans. The middle order batter, who took over leadership in mid 2024, has been included in the preliminary T20 World Cup squad.

Sri Lanka Preliminary Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

• Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
• Pathum Nissanka
• Kusal Mendis
• Kamil Mishara
• Kusal Perera
• Dhananjaya de Silva
• Niroshan Dickwella
• Janith Liyanage
• Charith Asalanka
• Kamindu Mendis
• Pavan Rathnayake
• Sahan Arachchige
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Dunith Wellalage
• Milan Rathnayake
• Nuwan Thushara
• Eshan Malinga
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Pramod Madushan
• Matheesha Pathirana
• Dilshan Madushanka
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Dushan Hemantha
• Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
• Traveen Mathew

Sri Lanka Group Stage Fixtures

Sri Lanka will begin their T20 World Cup campaign with the following group stage matches:

Match Schedule

• February 8: Sri Lanka vs Ireland – Colombo
• February 12: Sri Lanka vs Oman – Pallekele
• February 16: Sri Lanka vs Australia – Pallekele
• February 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Colombo

Related Reads:

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Icc T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule