Sri Lanka has taken a significant leadership call ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, announcing a 25-member preliminary squad with Dasun Shanaka appointed as the new captain. The move marks a clear shift in direction as the island nation begins preparations for the global event, which will be played on home soil starting February 7.
Charith Asalanka, who had been leading the side in recent times, has been replaced by the experienced all-rounder, signalling Sri Lanka Cricket’s intent to prioritise leadership experience and balance as they gear up for one of their most important tournaments in recent years.
Shanaka Returns as Leader for a Crucial Home World Cup
Dasun Shanaka’s return to the captaincy brings familiarity and stability to the Sri Lankan setup. A proven leader in white-ball cricket, Shanaka has previously guided the team through challenging phases and remains one of the most tactically astute players in the squad.
With the World Cup being hosted at home, Sri Lanka Cricket appears keen to rely on a skipper who understands local conditions, pressure situations, and team dynamics. Shanaka’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball also strengthens his case as a leader in the shortest format.
Strong Core of White-Ball Experience Retained
The preliminary squad features a solid core of experienced white-ball cricketers, providing a strong foundation for the tournament. Key batting pillars include Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and former captain Charith Asalanka, all of whom bring international pedigree and match-winning ability.
Their presence ensures continuity while allowing the team management to experiment with combinations during the build-up phase.
All-Round Strength Remains Sri Lanka’s Biggest Asset
One of Sri Lanka’s standout strengths continues to be its all-round depth, an aspect that has been prioritised heavily in the squad selection. Players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage offer valuable balance, capable of influencing games with both bat and ball.
Hasaranga, in particular, remains a central figure in Sri Lanka’s T20 plans, combining wicket-taking ability with explosive lower-order hitting. This depth gives Sri Lanka flexibility in team combinations, especially on spin-friendly home surfaces.
Bowling Attack: Pace, Variety, and Mystery Spin
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit for the 2026 World Cup looks well-rounded and versatile. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, whose contrasting styles provide variety and unpredictability.
Chameera’s raw pace and experience, combined with Pathirana’s unique slingy action, make them a dangerous duo. They are supported by emerging and established names such as Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, and Pramod Madushan.
In the spin department, mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana remains a key weapon, especially in home conditions. Alongside him, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth add further depth and options.
Young Players Given Opportunity to Impress
Sri Lanka have also kept an eye on the future by including several young and emerging players in the preliminary squad. Names like Eshan Malinga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Traveen Mathew have earned opportunities to stake an early claim for a spot in the final squad.
Their inclusion reflects Sri Lanka Cricket’s intent to build a competitive unit not just for this World Cup, but for the long term.
Continuity from the 2024 T20 World Cup
A notable aspect of the squad is the retention of 13 players from the 2024 T20 World Cup, ensuring continuity and experience. Players such as Shanaka, Hasaranga, Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Theekshana, Wellalage, Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka form the backbone of the current setup.
This blend of experience and youth gives Sri Lanka the flexibility to fine-tune combinations over the next year before finalising the squad.
Flexible Squad as Countdown Begins
The 25-member preliminary squad offers Sri Lanka ample room to assess form, fitness, and team balance ahead of the tournament. With the final squad set to be confirmed closer to the World Cup, performances in bilateral series and domestic competitions will play a crucial role in shaping the final XI.
Sri Lanka’s Group Stage Fixtures
Sri Lanka face a challenging group stage, featuring a mix of established and emerging teams:
- February 8: vs Ireland – Colombo
- February 12: vs Oman – Pallekele
- February 16: vs Australia – Pallekele
- February 19: vs Zimbabwe – Colombo
Playing across Colombo and Pallekele, Sri Lanka will look to maximise home advantage as they aim for a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
Big Expectations at Home
With Dasun Shanaka back at the helm and a well-balanced preliminary squad in place, expectations will be high for Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The coming months will be crucial as the team fine-tunes its strategy, combinations, and leadership approach for a tournament that could define a new chapter in Sri Lankan cricket.