Sri Lanka has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Despite the Asia Cup 2025 to follow just a few days after the end of the trip, they have picked a strong 50-over side, perhaps for the preparation of the next ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Wanindu Hasaranga isn’t part of the three 50-over fixtures, which begin on August 29 and will continue to August 31 and September 03, as all the games will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. The spinner isn’t part of the side in ODIs and is expected to be part of the T20Is, which will be followed by the Asia Cup 2025 a few days later.

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Pathum Nissanka has cracked the formats beautifully recently. In 69 ODI innings, the right-handed batter has smashed 2548 runs at an average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of nearly 90 with the help of six centuries and 16 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 210 runs.

Sri Lanka rest Wanindu Hasaranga for away Zimbabwe ODIs

The responsibility of the captain will be immense. Leader, Charith Asalanakar, who has now clubbed 2544 runs in 68 innings at an average of 43.86 and a strike rate of 90.88, with five centuries and 16 fifties at the best score of 127 runs, will look to lead the side from the front.  

Maheesh Theekshana who has 77 wickets in 54 ODI innings, at an average of 26.26 and an economy rate of 4.57. He has the skill of handling the new ball beautifully and picking inside the power play. Asitha Fernando has also grown with skills for the new ball bowling.

Sri Lanka will also have Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay to use the old ball in the middle overs. Dushmantha Chameera will be another fast bowler who can use his expressive pace to trouble the batters.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for Zimbabwe series

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwaindu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyange, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Ratnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed their white-ball trip to Sri Lanka in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The tour will consist of three 50-over clashes and as many T20Is from January 22, as the aim for the two-time champions will be to prepare their best to earn their third title.

England won their first two trophies of the event in 2009 and 2022, as most of their players will look to earn the best experience on the subcontinental conditions. The series will mark the Harry Brook-led side’s first-white-ball trip in more than seven years, with the last visit coming in 2018 when they clinched the ODI series by 3-1 and won the lone T20I.

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The last fixture between these two sides during the shortest format came during the victorious 2022 T20 World Cup event, where they beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in their group-stage clash. The Asian team’s upcoming T20I series comes against Zimbabwe away from home in September.

England to tour Sri Lanka for white-ball series in January 2026

The new white-ball captain of the Three Lions, Harry Brook, has shed light on his appointment to the position: “I am looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups, and major events for the future. England will also end their ongoing home summer with a white-ball series during the second week of September in Cardiff.

It's a hard reality for the players. The first ODI of the Sri Lanka trip starts just a couple of weeks after the scheduled fifth day of the fifth Ashes 2025/26 Test in Sydney. Most of their players will be drained after seven weeks of red-ball fixtures down under.

That could give some chances to the new players to get settled comfortably. However, most of the top World Cup players are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for the three T20Is as preparation.

England’s white-ball series to Sri Lanka in 2026

The dates of the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in 2025 will be held from November 27 to December 23, as it will take place in three venues- Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla. This is the fourth time in those six years that the T20 competition will be played for the November-December window rather than its July-August slot.

The last two editions were played in November, but with the T20 World Cup 2026 starting in February, the SLC board has found this window best. There had been discussions of a new and sixth side to be added in the competition, along with the sides of Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, and Jaffa. There had been talks of the sixth side. However, the board has taken a cautious approach as the LPL has struggled for long-term ownership over the years.

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‘The idea to conduct the LPL during this time frame is aimed at aligning the tournament with the ICC men's T20 World Cup 2026. Potential owners for a sixth team are currently being vetted.’ Samantha Dodanwela, the director of the tournament, expressed.

LPL 2025 set to begin on November 27 with inclusion of new franchise

Earlier this year, Jaffna Kings and the Colombo Strikers were terminated by the board for their failure to uphold the contractual obligations. New owners for both these sides are yet to be announced. Dodanwela has aimed to prepare for batting-friendly surfaces, to prepare for the upcoming home T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India.

‘We were quite happy with the wickets during the last edition, particularly in Dambulla and Kandy. We saw lots of high scores and even some centuries during that portion of the tournament. It was only in Colombo where batting was a little harder.’ He revealed.

The generation surfaces have been a topic in the shortest format as the national side lost their recent three-match home series against Bangladesh. Due to the slot, the tournament is expected to clash with several other franchise leagues- SA20, BBL, and ILT20. That will make it a challenge to attract the top-class T20 players around the world. Both SA20 and ILT20, after all, have their partnerships with many IPL franchises.

Hong Kong will be playing the upcoming 2025 season of the Asia Cup as they have hired the former Sri Lanka opening batter, Kushal Silva, as the men’s head coach. His appointment has come ahead of their campaign, where they will face Afghanistan in the event opener on September 09. 

Kushal Silva, the 39-year-old Colombo-born, featured for 39 Tests for the national side, where he smashed 2099 runs at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of three centuries and 12 half-centuries at the best score of 139 runs. In 335 FC innings, he nailed nearly 14k runs at an average of 46.44 with 41 centuries and 54 half-centuries.

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Silva’s career progressed between 2011 and 2018, as his last red-ball clash in international cricket came against England in Kandy. The veteran has had coaching stints in Sri Lanka, England, and Australia since 2019, when he finished as a player. However, this will be his first assignment for the international side.

Hong Kong appoint Kaushal Silva as men’s head coach ahead of Asia Cup 2025

‘Kaushal's dedication to nurturing and developing talent resonates with our vision for the future of cricket in Hong Kong. We believe that under his guidance, we can not only elevate our competitive standing but also promote the sport within our community.’ Burji Shroff, the chairperson of the Hong Kong Cricket, China, in a press release, said about the board’s plans.

Silva has made a clear message of ‘focus will be on instilling a strong work ethic and a winning mentality amongst the senior squad and working to identify and nurture fresh talent for continued growth". In the batter’s appointment, they will be looking to develop their skills in various departments during the T20 Asia Cup, where they will also face Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the first group stage.

Their last assignment was in the Asia Pacific Champions Trophy in Singapore. In the final, they lost to Malaysia, who chased down the target of 53 runs in five overs thanks to captain Syed Aziz’s brutal knock of 36 runs in nine balls with five sixes and one boundary.  

The speculation on the future of the Asia Cup 2025 had been going on for a long time. During the recent Champions Trophy 2025, both India and Pakistan came to an aggrement of not travelling to one another for the ICC events. They came to the final discussion of facing each other only in neutal venues. Post that, the relationship worsened after the outbreak of conflict last month before the ceasefire.

Recently, the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 was cancelled between two sides at Edgbaston due to many players pulling out of the encounter. This created new fire of whether the Asia Cup 2025 would be posisble bewteen the participation of one of these two sides. But after several meetings and various chapters on the issues, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting was held in Dhaka with the BCCI, SLC and ACB joining virtually. 

The reports have claimed that the tournamnet will begin on Sepetember 08, Monday, and will run till September 28. Along with the top five nations of Asia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghansitan, and Bangaldesh, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Hong King will also participate in the competition. All the games will take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They planned initially to start it on September 05, but Sri Lanka's tour of Zimbabwe ends on September 07. 

Asia Cup 2025 to take place from September 08 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

There were thoughts of the tournamnet not taking place at one point with the BCCI not aggreing for the ACC meeting in Dhaka. But later, the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi's arrival in Bangladesh on July 23 put spice in the fire. Apart from these, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also reached Dhaka. In the meeting, a few proposals, includig the financial meeters, were passed in. Another meeting is expected to happen  in the next two weeks, where India's representatives will be present physically. 

In today's meeting, India and other of other countries joined via online. So, the final decision has been made that Asia Cup 2025 will happen but the final approval will be given in the next meeting. On the other hand, there was no election of the vice-president post during the meeting, which may get tossed-up in the next phase. 

A bizarre visual took place during the second T20I game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, where the home fans left the field before the 15th over of their batting. It was bound to happen with the Charith Asalanka-led side finding themselves 86/8 on the 15th over of the chase. 

The reports claimed that tickets were sold out for the encounter two days before the encounter, but a poor performance during the second T20I saw the fans leaving the ground way before it ended. Sri Lanka was never in the chase as they kept losing wickets in the second innings against the Bangladesh spinners.

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The home side came into the second game after their inspiring all-around performance, where they chased down the 160-run score with seven wickets in hand and one over to spare. They batted well in that game in Pallekele but couldn’t repeat the same performance in Dambulla two evenings later.

WATCH: Sri Lanka fans return home midway through SL vs BAN 2nd T20I

Batting first, Bangladesh put 177 runs on the board for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. They lost both openers, Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon, for single-digit scores before their captain, Litton Das, rescued them with 76 runs in 50 balls, shouldering on one boundary and five sixes at a strike rate of 152.

Tickets sold out two days prior to the game, and they had to return home before the 15th over in the Sri Lankan innings 🤦‍♂️ #SLVBAN pic.twitter.com/NSszAbhJ4Q

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) July 13, 2025

Shamim Hossain also provided them a late order firing attack with 48 runs in 27 balls at a strike rate of nearly 180, with the help of five boundaries and two sixes to shoulder them to 177/7 in their 20 overs. But the requirement was to still come up with a better bowling performance to restrict them.

In the second innings, Bangladesh was excellent, with only two batters for Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka and Pathum Nissanka, making it into the double digits. None of the other batters were able to do so. They lost their first three wickets for 25 runs before getting restricted to 71/6. Shoriful Islam and Mohammed Saifuddin picked up two wickets each while Rishad Hossain registered 3/18 in 3.2 overs. That helped the visitors earn a victory by 83 runs and level the series by a 1-1 margin.

The wait for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 is expected to end soon as the broadcaster advertisement has ended the speculation for the event. This season’s tournament will take place in the 20-over format, as the teams will participate to make their preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

It wasn’t the case during the last edition of the Asia Cup in 2023 when hosts Sri Lanka ended as the runners-up of the tournament before winner India due to the 2023 ODI World Cup. According to the reports, all the games of the upcoming season will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the hybrid model between the Blue Brigade and the Green Brigade.

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The official broadcasters, Sony Sports Network, have put an advertisement in which they have revealed that the competition will kick off in September. The expected date for the beginning could be the fifth day of the month. Both India and Pakistan have already agreed to feature in all competitions through the hybrid model.

Broadcaster advertisement leaks Asia Cup 2025 dates

India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be the six nations taking part in the coming event, which will be played in the group stage and the Super Fours format. That has also meant that the two neighboring countries’ high-octane encounter of India vs Pakistan will be played at least two times, if they qualify for the second stage.

ASIA CUP IN SEPTEMBER ON SONY NETWORK...!!! pic.twitter.com/ksFORLTg58

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 13, 2025

The final is expected to take place on September 21. Reportedly, the promotional activities for the tournament have already begun with the Sony broadcaster sharing pictures and showing them on their channels during the ongoing Test series between India and England. If the Asia Cup goes as planned, it will send a strong message for all future tournaments to go smoothly.

Earlier, a few reports claimed that India, under Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I captaincy, may pull out of Asia Cup due to the cross border tensions but the BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, had refuted those claims by saying ‘Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, the BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC.’

Sri Lanka have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Dinesh Chandimal’s return to the shortest format after three years has been the major headline for the side as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 at home and in India.

Chandimal, who has smashed 1062 T20I runs in 61 innings at a strike rate of 103.60, returns to the national side. His last game of the format came in November 2022 against Australia in Kandy. However, his comeback for Sri Lanka isn’t surprising, with the veteran cracking 287 runs in 10 LPL games last year at a strike rate of nearly 170. 

The opening game of the series will take place on July 10, in Pallekele, before the action moves to Dambulla after a two-day break. On July 16, the final encounter of the series will take place in Colombo. It's incredibly vital for the players to perform in this series at home, as the T20 World Cup 2026 is knocking on the door. Most players, whose position in the side, hasn't been sealed yet, will face an acid test against Bangladesh. 

Sri Lanka announce their squad of inform players for the Bangladesh series

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the 2014 T20 champions. Opener Pathum Nissanka, who has been in tremendous touch during this multi-format series, has retained his place. In 61 innings, the right-handed batter has clubbed 1734 runs at a strike rate of 120.41, thanks to 14 half-centuries.

Sri Lanka’s biggest boost has come in the form of Matheesha Pathirana’s return. The pacer didn’t enjoy a great IPL 2025 campaign for the Chennai Super Kings, with just 13 wickets in 12 innings at an economy of over 10. But his form will be vital for the side’s death over bowling.

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Kusal Perera has also retained his place in Sri Lanka’s T20I squad. At 34, the veteran, who has accumulated 2056 T20I runs in 76 innings at a strike rate of 134.11, will look to make the most of the opportunities. Along with Pathirana, this side has covered their pace unit with experience. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga have a huge role to play in the spin department. The former will take care of the power, while Hasaranga will look to counter the middle overs.

Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for Bangladesh series:

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has stunned the world by revealing his decision to retire from the white-ball format. Previously, Matthews had announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier in May, with the home Test series against Bangladesh being the last of his career. 

Now, as per the latest reports, the 37-year-old has already given indications of giving up on the shortest format. Mathews has already informed everyone of his decision to retire from the white-ball set-up following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup next year. 

See also: Angelo Mathews Provides Video Proof to Challenge 'Timed Out' Dismissal Decision by Umpires

Matthews opens up on his white-ball retirement

During his very recent interaction with Cricbuzz, the Sri Lankan all-rounder expressed that he has enough fuel in his tank to persevere till the 2026 T20 World Cup. In this time, Mathews aims to asses whether his body will be able to withstand enough workload. 

"There are six more months until the next T20 World Cup, and I'll give it a try depending on what my body tells me."

Angelo Mathews targets to sign off from white ball cricket after the 2026 T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/t0vxQtSFvc

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 17, 2025

While his absence from the national side will most definitely create a void, Mathews does leave behind a rich legacy that the island nation can be proud of. Making his Test debut for Sri Lanka in 2009, Mathews has accumulated 8167 in 118 matches, leaving him only behind Kumar Sangakkara (12400) and Mahela Jayawardena (11814). 

Moreover, he was a genuine asset for Sri Lanka in the white-ball set-up as well. The 37-year-old played an instrumental role in powering Sri Lanka to their T20 World Cup title glory in 2014, when they outclassed the tournament favorites India in a thumping fashion. Mathews opened the bowling and picked up the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane to open the doors for his side early on. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met players of Sri Lanka's 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning squad during his Colombo visit. He stated their huge victory long ago still gives inspiration to cricket lovers across the globe.

PM Modi is on a two-day official tour of Sri Lanka. He reached Colombo on Friday evening to have vital talks with Sri Lankan leaders and to ink some key pacts between the two nations.

On Saturday, amidst his hectic schedule, PM Modi spared time to greet some of the renowned cricket players of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup team.
Sri Lanka created history when they won the Cricket World Cup in 1996. They defeated Australia in the final match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, in Pakistan. Australia had posted 241 runs, but Sri Lanka chased the runs with ease, losing just three wickets. Aravinda de Silva was the hero of the match, without being bowled out, scoring 107 runs.

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PM Modi congratulated the team and stated that their win brought happiness and pride to millions of cricket fans. On social media, he posted, "Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!"

Several popular Sri Lankan players attended

Cricket connect!

Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers! pic.twitter.com/2ZprMmOtz6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025

• Aravinda de Silva
• Sanath Jayasuriya
• Chaminda Vaas
• Kumar Dharmasena
• Upul Chandana
• Marvan Atapattu
• Romesh Kaluwitharana

They presented PM Modi with a special gift to commemorate the moment.

Cricket Builds Friendship

Cricket has always united India and Sri Lanka. This gathering served as an example of how sports can foster close international friendships. Following the meeting, Romesh Kaluwitharana said, "India has always assisted Sri Lanka, particularly during difficult times."

The players praised PM Modi and expressed their happiness at meeting him. Aravinda de Silva stated, "PM Modi is respected worldwide." Sanath Jayasuriya added that it was a wonderful experience and the Prime Minister had talked about his work after becoming the PM in 2014. Chaminda Vaas was amazed at how much Modi was aware of cricket. "He discussed our World Cup campaign in depth. He obviously keeps the game in mind," Vaas added.

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Photos and videos of the meeting were shared online by PM Modi’s team. Many people from both countries reacted with joy, calling it a special and emotional moment. Fans said it showed how cricket can bring people together. Apart from the cricket match, PM Modi’s visit is focused on building stronger relations between the two countries. He will discuss trade, energy, tourism, and cultural projects with Sri Lankan leaders.

PM Modi’s meeting with the 1996 World Cup-winning team was a warm and respectful gesture. It reminded everyone how sports, especially cricket, can unite people across borders. The visit was not only political it was also about the celebration of heroes, remembering the past, and fostering closer friendship between India and Sri Lanka.