Body blow for Sri Lanka as star pacer ruled out of T20 WC due to injury, 32-year-old named as replacement

Sri Lanka have suffered a fresh injury blow right ahead of their T20 World Cup clash against Ireland on February 8 as pacer Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the tournament. His participation was in doubt since he dislocated his shoulder during the second T20I of the three-match series against England earlier this month. Despite being named in the Lankan Lions' 15-member squad, he has now been ruled out of the tournament.

Madushan added to the squad

Pramod Madushan has been added to the squad as Malinga's replacement. He can end up making his return to T20Is after almost three years as his last appearance in the format came in April, 2023. He had fallen down the pecking order, but has now risen among the ranks once again. The 32-year-old will be joining Dasun Shanaka, Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera as the other pace options in Sri Lanka's squad. The 32-year-old has only played eight T20Is in his career so far, racking up 12 wickets.

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Meanwhile, Malinga had been promoted to the senior team after his impressive performance for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. He picked up 13 wickets in just seven matches and proved to be one of the team's best bowlers in his debut season. The  25-year-old has played eight T20Is in his career so far, clinching as many scalps. Though his absence is indeed a blow for the team, Madushan can turn out to be a great replacement.

Sri Lanka's T20 WC schedule

Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B of the T20 World Cup alongside the likes of Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign with the clash against Ireland in Colombo before facing Oman on February 12. They will then lock horns against Australia on February 16 before concluding their group stage with the clash against Zimbabwe on February 19.

Sri Lanka's squad for T20 World Cup: Dasun Shanaka (c), 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, Pramod Madushan.