Sri Lanka squad gets approval from Sports Minister two days before Asia Cup

With barely two days to go before their opening match against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka’s squad of 15 players has finally received the approval from Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to take part in the Asia Cup cricket tournament.

While the Minister has been sitting on the squad that was selected in the first week of August, the other five participating countries India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal have already picked their teams for the tournament which begins today with Pakistan meeting Nepal at Multan. Sri Lanka plays Bangladesh in their opening fixture on 31 August at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

The injury hit Sri Lanka squad captained by Dasun Shanaka includes the names of seamers Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan who have been called up as late replacements for Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka who are both injured.

Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga have already been ruled out of the tournament, while batsman Kusal Perera although included in the 15 will join them once he is tested negative for COVID-19.

Sri Lanka are the only country amongst the Test playing nations that has to get its national team submitted to the Sport Minister for approval before they can participate at an international tournament or series.   

SRI LANKA SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP

Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (Vice-Captain), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.