Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka have officially announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with Charith Asalanka set to lead the side.
The biggest talking point from the announcement is the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been out of action due to injury but is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the tournament.
The squad reflects a balanced mix of experience and youth, with several all-round options at Sri Lanka’s disposal.
The team will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 13 against Bangladesh, placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
Table of Contents
Wanindu Hasaranga Returns to Strengthen Spin Attack
Wanindu Hasaranga’s inclusion is a massive boost for Sri Lanka. The spin-bowling all-rounder had suffered a hamstring injury during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July, forcing him to miss the tour of Zimbabwe.
Despite doubts surrounding his fitness, Sri Lanka’s selectors have shown faith in the match-winning all-rounder, including him in the Asia Cup squad.
Hasaranga will spearhead Sri Lanka’s spin department alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, forming a strong trio capable of exploiting subcontinental conditions.
His return adds much-needed variety and balance to the side, given his ability to contribute with both bat and ball in crucial moments.
Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
The full 16-member squad for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 is as follows:
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kamil Mishara
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Binura Fernando
- Nuwan Thushara
- Matheesha Pathirana
Balance of Experience and Youth
The Sri Lankan squad features a good balance of experienced campaigners and rising stars. Senior batters like Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera are expected to provide stability at the top, while Pathum Nissanka continues to establish himself as one of the most consistent performers in the lineup.
In the all-rounder department, Sri Lanka boast depth with Chamika Karunaratne and former captain Dasun Shanaka providing medium-pace options, while Hasaranga, Wellalage, and Theekshana form the spin core. This mix allows Asalanka multiple bowling and batting combinations depending on the match conditions.
The pace attack will be led by Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, backed up by left-arm option Binura Fernando and seamer Nuwan Thushara.
Sri Lanka’s History in the Asia Cup
Sri Lanka are one of the most successful teams in Asia Cup history, having won the tournament six times. Only India, with seven titles, have won more. The island nation’s most recent triumph came in 2022, when they defeated Pakistan in the final.
With the 2025 edition serving as a key preparatory tournament ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka will co-host, expectations are high for Asalanka’s side to put in a strong performance.
Concerns Over Hasaranga’s Fitness
Despite being named in the Asia Cup squad, Hasaranga’s fitness remains a lingering concern. He was excluded from Sri Lanka’s squads for the ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe that precede the Asia Cup, as the selectors did not want to risk aggravating his injury.
Hasaranga has not played any competitive cricket since July, raising questions about his match readiness. If he fails to recover in time, Sri Lanka will once again rely heavily on Theekshana and Wellalage to handle the spin duties.
Sri Lanka’s Zimbabwe Tour Before Asia Cup
Before the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka are currently engaged in a white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. While Hasaranga is absent, the squad for the T20Is in Zimbabwe is led by Charith Asalanka and features experienced names such as Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, and Maheesh Theekshana.
Zimbabwe Tour Schedule:
- First ODI: August 29, Harare
- Second ODI: August 31, Harare
- First T20I: September 3, Harare
- Second T20I: September 6, Harare
- Third T20I: September 7, Harare
The Zimbabwe series serves as an important build-up, providing game time to fringe players and allowing the management to finalize their best XI ahead of the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad vs Zimbabwe
The squad for the Zimbabwe T20I series is as follows:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
Key Matches in Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign kicks off on September 13 against Bangladesh. Their other group stage matches will be against Afghanistan and Hong Kong. With only the top two teams advancing from each group, every match will be crucial for Asalanka’s men.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s squad announcement for the Asia Cup 2025 reflects a team eager to reclaim its dominance in Asian cricket. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga is undoubtedly the biggest positive, though his fitness will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.
With a mix of established stars like Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Dushmantha Chameera, combined with the leadership of Charith Asalanka and young talents like Pathirana and Wellalage, Sri Lanka look well-rounded. Their strong spin arsenal and depth in all-rounders make them serious contenders for the title.
As they prepare to co-host the T20 World Cup in 2026, the Asia Cup will serve as both a test and a statement of intent for the island nation.
Also Read: Top 5 Indian Key Players Who Can Take India to the Finals—Full Squad for…