Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a significant leadership change for the upcoming triangular series in Pakistan, with experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka taking over captaincy duties. The appointment comes as regular captain Charith Asalanka has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury concerns.
Leadership Reshuffle for Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan cricket board confirmed that Dasun Shanaka will lead the 16-member squad in the absence of Charith Asalanka, who misses the series entirely. This marks a return to leadership for Shanaka, who previously captained the national team across formats before being replaced earlier this year.
The selection committee, led by Upul Tharanga, has made several strategic decisions for the series that begins on August 14th in Multan. The triangular tournament will feature Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe competing in a round-robin format followed by finals.
Squad Composition and Key Absentees
The 16-member squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Wanindu Hasaranga has been named vice-captain of the team, adding significant all-round capabilities to the leadership group. The squad includes several players who recently participated in the T20I series against India.
Notable absentees include regular captain Charith Asalanka, whose injury has opened the door for Shanaka's return to leadership. The selection committee has maintained continuity with most of the players from recent assignments while making strategic adjustments for the specific conditions expected in Pakistan.
The complete Sri Lanka squad for the Pakistan tri-series includes: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Wanindu Hasaranga (Vice-Captain), along with other key players who have been consistent performers in the T20 format. The team management has emphasized the importance of this series as preparation for future international commitments.
Tournament Structure and Significance
The triangular series in Pakistan represents an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to test their combinations ahead of major tournaments. The series begins on August 14th in Multan and will follow a round-robin format where each team plays the others before the top two teams compete in the final.
This assignment marks Sri Lanka's return to Pakistan for a bilateral series, strengthening cricketing ties between the neighboring nations. For Dasun Shanaka, the series provides an opportunity to reestablish his leadership credentials and guide the team through a competitive international assignment.
The Sri Lankan team will be looking to build momentum after their recent performances and use this series to solidify their T20 squad ahead of future challenges. The return of Shanaka to captaincy adds an interesting dynamic to the team's leadership structure and could influence selection decisions for upcoming series.
