Sri Lanka didn’t have a great time ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 as their pacer has been ruled out of the event after picking up the injury during the home three-match T20I series against England. This is the final preparation for the co-host and the Three Lions right before the competition. England has sealed the series already by a 2-0 insurmountable margin.  

It was a rain-affected game at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, where the massive blow came after the rain delay when Eshan Malinga dislocated his shoulder on the very first ball after the break. The bowler slips a high full toss and tumbles onto the ground instantly, clutching his left shoulder.

See Also: ICC to hold key board meeting over Pakistan forfeiting India clash in T20 World Cup 2026

That ball was tucked into the deep square for a single, but the bowler looked in serious pain. The physio came out to check the condition before he was helped off the field. It has been reported that he would miss the tournament with the shoulder injury, and he will travel to Colombo for scans.

Eshan Malinga likely to miss T20 World Cup 2026 for Sri Lanka

Malinga is expected to be out of action for nearly six to eight weeks. It’s a setback for the team as they look for a few replacements in the event. Dilshan Madushanka is a probable name that has come out of the list with the left-arm pacer picking 15 wickets in 15 innings of the shortest format at an economy rate of 9.75. However, his last T20I came in July 2024 against India at Kandy.

Eshan Malinga is likely to be ruled out of World Cup after dislocating his shoulder last night. The player will travel to Colombo for scans and it’s believed he will be out of action for four to six weeks. Either Dilshan Madushanka or Pramod Madushan is likely to replace him.

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) February 2, 2026

Another option for them will be Pramod Madhusan, who has bagged 12 wickets in eight T20I innings at an economy rate of 8.63. However, he is also not a regular member of the national side in the shortest format, with the previous assignment being in April 2023 against New Zealand in Queenstown.

Sri Lanka will begin their campaign on February 08 at the R. Premadasa Stadium against Ireland before heading to Kandy for the morning fixture against Oman on February 12. Their third game will be against Australia at the same venue before returning to Colombo against Zimbabwe.