Sri Lanka has officially announced their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming six-match white-ball tour of England in September 2026. This tour marks an important phase for the team as they prepare for a busy season ahead.
Kusal Mendis will continue to lead the Sri Lankan squad in both formats, which indicates the selectors' confidence in his leadership capabilities. His experience will be crucial as Sri Lanka embarks on this challenging tour.
Charith Asalanka: The Vice-Captain Role
Charith Asalanka has been appointed vice-captain for both the ODI and T20I sides. Asalanka makes a return to the T20I team following an impressive performance in the 2026 Lanka Premier League, where he scored 385 runs in just 11 innings, contributing significantly to his side's success and earning the title of Player of the Match in the final.
Pathum Nissanka's Comeback
Another noteworthy inclusion is Pathum Nissanka, who has returned to the squad after recovering from an injury. His addition strengthens Sri Lanka’s top order, providing them with much-needed depth ahead of the series against England.
New Faces in the Squad
Dasun Shanaka also makes his comeback to the ODI squad for the first time since January 2024, while Sachindu Colombage is a new name for the 50-over side. These changes reflect the selectors' intent to infuse new talent into the team.
T20I Additions
The T20I squad will see four new additions alongside Asalanka: Lahiru Udara, Janith Liyanage, and Tharindu Ratnayake also join the ranks, promising a fresh approach to the matches.
Tour Schedule and Expectations
The tour is set to kick off on September 15 with a three-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs. This sequence (3 T20Is followed by 3 ODIs) presents an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to test their strategies and player combinations as they transition into the busy white-ball season ahead.
Future Implications
Sri Lanka will be looking to see how the returning players and newly included faces can impact their performance against a strong England side. With Asalanka assuming an enhanced leadership role, expectations will be high on him in both formats.
Overall, this squad selection reflects a balance between experience and youth, aiming to enhance the team's performance on the international stage.