Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled a 15-member squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6. The global tournament will serve as a major stage for the next generation of cricketing talent.

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Royal College, Colombo’s Vimath Dinsara, has been appointed captain of the side, with Kingswood College’s Kavija Gamage named vice-captain. The leadership pairing underlines Sri Lanka Cricket’s faith in youth-led decision-making and temperament under pressure.

Sri Lanka gears up for a stern U19 World Cup challenge

The squad features a blend of promising batters, disciplined bowlers, and versatile all-rounders drawn from leading schools across the country. Selectors have prioritised balance and flexibility, key attributes for adapting to the diverse conditions expected in southern Africa.

The Sri Lanka U19 team will depart for Namibia on January 1, 2026, allowing ample time to acclimatise and fine-tune preparations ahead of the marquee event. The early arrival is expected to play a vital role in building match fitness and team cohesion.

Sri Lanka will kick off their Group A campaign on January 17 against Japan U19 in Windhoek. They will then face Ireland U19 on January 19 before taking on defending champions Australia U19 in a high-profile clash on January 23, with all three matches scheduled at the same venue.

The tournament follows a mixed 2025 for Sri Lanka U19. While they suffered one-day series defeats to Bangladesh and West Indies, the side showed encouraging signs in the U19 Asia Cup, where their campaign ended with a semi-final loss to India.

With valuable lessons behind them and a fresh opportunity ahead, Sri Lanka U19 will be aiming to make a strong statement and push for their maiden ICC Under-19 World Cup title.

Sri Lanka squad for ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup 2026

Vimath Dinsara (Captain)

Kavija Gamage (Vice-Captain)

Dimantha Mahavithana

Viran Chamuditha

Dulnith Sigera

Chamika Heentigala

Adam Hilmy

Chamarindu Nethsara

Sethmika Seneviratne

Kugathas Mathulan

Rasith Nimsara

Vigneshwaran Akash

Jeewantha Sriram

Senuja Wekunagoda

Malintha Silva