Kusal Mendis Returns As Sri Lanka Captain For 3-Match T20I Series In Pakistan | Cricket News

Last Updated:October 02, 2026, 16:42 IST

Mendis missed the three-match T20I series in England last month due to injury, and in his absence, Sri Lanka suffered a 0-3 defeat under the leadership of Charith Asalanka.

Kusal Mendis to captain Sri Lanka in T20I series against Pakistan. (Picture Credit: AFP)

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which is set to start on October 9 in Rawalpindi. Mendis missed the three-match T20I series in England last month due to injury, and in his absence, Sri Lanka suffered a 0-3 defeat under the leadership of Charith Asalanka.

Sri Lanka have made as many as six changes to their T20I squad for the three 20-over matches in Pakistan. Along with Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Sahan Arachchige, Sineth Jayawardena and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth are also back for the away series. In addition, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been included, but his participation is subject to fitness.

Star spin-bowling all-rounder and former T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the T20I series due to injury. Hasaranga suffered an injury during the ODI series against England last month and returned home as a result. In addition to Hasaranga, opening batter Pathum Nissanka has also not been picked for the Pakistan tour due to injury.

Among other changes, Pavan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka have been left out. The duo had replaced Mendis and Fernando in Sri Lanka’s squad for the England T20Is in September 2026.

Sri Lanka’s squad for T20I series in Pakistan: Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera*

The first T20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on October 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 8:30 PM IST. The same venue will host the next two matches on October 11 and 13, respectively.

After the T20I series in Pakistan, Sri Lanka will take part in an ODI tri-series in Pakistan. Apart from Pakistan and Sri Lanka, England will also feature in the ODI tri-series. Following the conclusion of the ODI tri-series, the two teams will face each other in a two-match Test series.

The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, while the second Test is scheduled to take place in Lahore from November 17 to 21.

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Who is appointed as the Sri Lanka captain for the T20I series in Pakistan?

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan.

When does the T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin?

The first T20I of the three-match series will be played on October 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium starting at 8:30 PM IST.

Which key Sri Lankan players are missing the Pakistan tour due to injury?

Star spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and opening batter Pathum Nissanka have both been left out of the squad for the Pakistan tour due to injuries.

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Harshit BishtSenior Sub-editor

Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More

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