Sri Lanka Suffers Major Blow: Captain Asalanka, Asitha Fernando Return Home Sick Ahead of T20 Tri-Series

The Sri Lankan team has faced severe jolt ahead of the T20 tri-series in Pakistan. The SLC announced on Monday that two of its senior players, including captain Charith Asalanka, will be returning home owing to illnesses. Dasun Shanaka will be leading Sri Lanka in the T20 tri-series. Pawan Ratnayake replaced fast bowler Asitha Fernando in the squad.

Sri Lanka Cricket has posted on X that two players are heading back home. Illness has ruled out the captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando as both are returning to their homes. Neither of them will be in the forthcoming Tri-Nation Series between Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe. Although the Sri Lanka Cricket Board did not specify the nature of their illness, it clearly stated that they were called back to ensure they received proper medical care before the busy season.

Several Sri Lankan players wanted to return home due to security concerns following the recent deadly suicide attack in Islamabad. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi assured them of tight security, after which the visiting team decided to stay put.

T20 Tri-Nation Schedule

• November 20: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe
• November 22: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka
• November 23: Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe
• November 25: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe
• November 27: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka
• November 29: Final