Published:
Sri Lanka have recalled captain Kusal Mendis for their upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, with six changes made to the squad that toured England. Mendis returns after missing the England series because of a hamstring injury and will take back the captaincy from Charith Asalanka, who led the side in his absence.
The three-match T20I series against Pakistan will be played in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13, 2026.
Mendis' return is a major addition for Sri Lanka as they look to respond after a difficult tour of England, where they suffered a 3-0 T20I series defeat.
The wicketkeeper-batter missed that series because of his hamstring injury but has now been included as captain for the Pakistan tour.
His return also means Charith Asalanka moves out of the captaincy role for the T20I series.
Sri Lanka will, however, be without two important players.
Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga have been ruled out because of injuries.
Hasaranga suffered lower-back pain during a practice session before Sri Lanka's first ODI against England and subsequently returned home. He has now been left out of the T20I squad against Pakistan.
The absence of the pair leaves Sri Lanka with some key positions to fill as they prepare for the three-match series.
Sri Lanka have made six changes to the squad that travelled to England.
Binura Fernando returns after missing the England T20Is because of a back injury, replacing Dilshan Madushanka.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe has also been recalled. The all-rounder made his T20I debut against India in 2024 and currently has three T20I appearances.
Middle-order batter Sahan Arachchige has earned his place following an impressive Lanka Premier League campaign. He scored 240 runs at an average of 34.27 and a strike rate of 147.23 during the tournament.
Sri Lanka have also handed a T20I call-up to 21-year-old Sineth Jayawardena, despite the youngster yet to feature in the LPL. Jayawardena recently registered consecutive centuries in List A and T20 cricket in domestic competition.
Spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has also been brought into the squad, while experienced fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been selected subject to fitness.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 9, 2026 | 1st T20I | Rawalpindi |
| October 11, 2026 | 2nd T20I | Rawalpindi |
| October 13, 2026 | 3rd T20I | Rawalpindi |
All three matches will be played at Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka will enter the series looking to rebuild after their disappointing England campaign. The return of Mendis provides experience at the top of the order and restores the team's regular T20I captain.
At the same time, the injuries to Nissanka and Hasaranga will force Sri Lanka to rely on several newer faces. The series could therefore provide an opportunity for players such as Jayawardena, Arachchige and Viyaskanth to establish themselves in the international setup.
With Pakistan preparing to host Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, the three-match series promises an important test for a Sri Lankan side undergoing changes ahead of the next phase of their T20I campaign.
