Sri Lanka Drop Charith Asalanka and Recall Avishka Fernando for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series

Sri Lanka Cricket has dropped out-of-form former captain Charith Asalanka and recalled Avishka Fernando and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige for an upcoming 16-member ODI squad. The team will travel to Pakistan for a tri-nation series that begins on October 18 and runs through October 31, serving as part of the preparations for the 2027 ICC World Cup in Africa.

The tournament features Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka playing a double round-robin format with matches hosted in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Kusal Mendis will captain the squad, while Pathum Nissanka has also been included subject to medical clearance.

Asalanka Omitted After Difficult Tour of England

Charith Asalanka’s departure from the side follows a difficult white-ball tour of England where he contributed just 19 runs across three ODIs and 57 runs in a three-match T20I series. Asalanka recorded scores of 1, 11, and 7 in the ODI leg, marking his second squad omission after missing the T20I matches against Pakistan. The 29-year-old had served as T20I captain and ODI vice-captain during the England trip before losing his place.

Avishka Fernando earned his recall following a dominant run on the domestic circuit, scoring 447 runs at an average of 63.85 in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament with two centuries and a half-century.

Medical Staff Must Clear Nissanka and Chameera

Pathum Nissanka retains his spot in the setup despite a recent hamstring problem, though Sri Lanka Cricket stated he will travel only if declared fit by medical staff. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is also included under the same fitness conditions, while left-arm paceman Dilshan Madushanka’s workload will be managed carefully throughout the tour.

The remaining batting options include Pavan Rathnayake, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Dasun Shanaka. The pace attack features Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Dilshan Madushanka, while Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, and Dunith Wellalage comprise the spin contingent.

Tri-Series Schedule in Rawalpindi and Lahore

The tri-series opens on October 18 with Sri Lanka facing Pakistan in Rawalpindi, followed by Pakistan against England at the same venue on October 20. Sri Lanka plays England on October 22 before the tournament shifts to Lahore for the second round of fixtures.

Pakistan meets England in Lahore on October 25, Sri Lanka plays Pakistan on October 27, and Sri Lanka faces England on October 29. The top two teams will meet in the final at Lahore on October 31.

Whether Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera will pass their final fitness assessments before departure remains unconfirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket.