Dasun Shanaka returns as Sri Lanka captain ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka announced a squad of 25 members for the upcoming T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to start on February 7, 2026. Ahead of that, the Sri Lankan cricket board has taken some significant steps.

Pritam Santra
Pritam Santra

2 mins read
Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka announced a squad of 25 members for the upcoming T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to start on February 7, 2026. Ahead of that, the Sri Lankan cricket board has taken some significant steps. Along with announcing the tentative squad, they chose their captain for the elite tournament as well. They picked Dasun Shanaka as their captain for the team. 

While announcing the probable squad, Sri Lanka Cricket Team's Chief Selector Pramodaya Wickramasinghe informed that their previous captain Charith Asalanka's form is not satisfying, so he has been removed from the captaincy. On the other hand, Shanaka's recent form is brilliant, and he has the experience of the World Cup as well. So the board again appoints him as the skipper. 

Sri Lanka is in a tough group in the upcoming T20I World Cup. Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman are in the same group with Sri Lanka. From every group, the top two teams will qualify for the next round. This time the World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, so the Sri Lankan team will play most of its matches at home. 

Read More: Watch: Sanju Samson's well-connected shot hit umpire's knee during IND vs SA 5th T20I

Groups for the T20 World Cup 2026:

Group A: India, Pakistan, Namibia, United States, Netherlands.

Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman.

Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy.

Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka's 25-member squad for the T20I 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, Pawan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Ishan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Vyaskanth, and Traveen Mathew.

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Out and out cricket lover. Following Indian cricket since the late 90s. Like to analyse games with facts and numbers. Still can remember the Natwest series. Some stickers of cricket legends still on the wall. Working as a sports content creator for more than 4 years.
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