Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has locked its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka. Most of the formation of the team will remain the same from the squad that featured in the three-match T20I series against England at home, as preparation for the ICC event.

Kusal Perera marks his return to the national side in the shortest format after his previous series against Pakistan away from home. In 91 innings of the format, the veteran has smashed a total of 2312 runs at an average of 26.57 and a strike rate of 132.87 with the help of 16 half-centuries and one century at the best score of 101 runs.

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Pavan Ratnayake, who celebrated a fine knock of 121 runs during the third ODI in Colombo against England in the recent home series, has been selected for the ICC event, despite a weak performance of eight runs in three games in his career. In 25 T20s, he has added 253 runs at a strike rate of 100, thanks to the best score of 42 runs.

Sri Lanka name strong 15-member squad for T20 WC 2026

The pressure will be on the leader, Shanaka, to provide a vital contribution with the bat in the lower order and offer a few vital overs if required. Wanindu Hasaranga is another player who needs to pick wickets consistently in the middle overs, having picked up 151 wickets in 91 innings at an average of 15.92 and an economy rate of under seven.

Sri Lanka will begin their tournament on February 08 against Ireland at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo before facing Oman three days later at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Their third group-stage encounter will be against Australia at the same venue and Zimbabwe in Colombo.  

Sri Lanka’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perara, Charith Asalanka, Kamil Mishra, Pavan Rathayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.