Sri Lanka star all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has returned back home from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the sudden death of his father, Suranga Wellalage, due to a heart attack on Thursday night, when his son was featuring in the crucial clash against Afghanistan.
The 22-year-old who featured in Sri Lanka's Group B match against Afghanistan in Lahore on the same day, was informed of the tragic news only after the game concluded. He immediately left for Colombo on the earliest available flight.
His chances of featuring in Sri Lanka's Super Four clash are uncertain. The Island nation is set to face Bangladesh on Saturday, followed by crucial encounters against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26. Considering the conditions, there are chances that Wellalage will miss the Bangladesh match on Saturday. Dunith Wellalage was informed by Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya about the tragic news after the match.
Wellalage played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s six-wicket win over Afghanistan, picking up the wicket of opener Ibrahim Zadran in his four-over spell despite conceding 49 runs. It was his fifth T20I appearance.
The cricketing community has come together in support of the young cricketer during this difficult time. Former Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga expressed his condolences on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying:
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong, Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time."
Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, who hit Wellalage for five sixes on Thursday, also extended his sympathies:
"Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother."
The Sri Lanka team management has yet to make an official announcement regarding a potential replacement for Wellalage, should he be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament.