Sri Lanka’s ongoing tour of Pakistan has been hit by setbacks, with captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando returning home due to illness, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Monday. The board announced that all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the side in the upcoming T20 tri-series featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe, while Pavan Rathnayake has been drafted in as Fernando’s replacement.
In an official statement on X, SLC said: “Two players returning home: Captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando, both suffering from illness, will return home. The two players will not take part in the upcoming tri-series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.” The board did not specify the nature of the illness but emphasized that the decision was taken to ensure both cricketers receive adequate medical attention ahead of a packed international calendar.
Despite recent security concerns following a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad, Sri Lanka decided to continue the tour after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi personally assured watertight security measures. Some players had initially expressed a desire to return home, but the assurance reinforced by Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s intervention prompted the team to stay.
The PCB has since made multiple scheduling changes for safety reasons. The second ODI in Rawalpindi, originally slated for November 13, was pushed to November 14, and the third match was moved from November 15 to 16. The tri-series opener between Pakistan and Zimbabwe has also been shifted from November 17 to 18. Furthermore, Rawalpindi has been designated as the sole venue for the entire tri-series, replacing Lahore, which was initially set to host five matches including the final.
Security for the Sri Lankan team has now been taken over by Pakistan’s military forces following the recent blasts that claimed 12 lives and left dozens injured.
