Dasun Shanaka has been appointed captain of the Sri Lanka team for the upcoming Pakistan T20I tri-series 2025, stepping in for regular skipper Charith Asalanka, who has been ruled out due to illness. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando is also sidelined with illness, and both players will return to Sri Lanka, confirmed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Updated Sri Lanka squad and leadership change
Vice-captain Dasun Shanaka will now lead the side in the tri-series, starting at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 20. The SLC confirmed the update on November 17, just a day before the tournament’s launch. The squad includes seasoned campaigners like Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and spin specialist Wanindu Hasaranga.
Sri Lanka Squad for Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
Shanaka brings significant T20I leadership experience, having first captained Sri Lanka in September 2019. Between 2019 and 2023, he led the side in 48 T20Is, securing 22 wins against 24 losses, along with two tied matches.
Under Shanaka’s leadership, Sri Lanka will kick off their Pakistan tri-series campaign against Zimbabwe on November 20 in Rawalpindi, aiming to build momentum ahead of the series.
