The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad. Pathirana had to leave the field due to a muscle strain in his left leg during a match against Australia. Madushanka stepped in after Pathirana’s injury was confirmed.
Pathirana’s injury occurred during a recent match against Australia in Kandy, where he had to stop bowling after just four balls. Sri Lanka’s batting consultant, Vikram Rathour, mentioned that Pathirana has been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. The approval of the Event Technical Committee is necessary for any player replacements in the squad.
The absence of Pathirana adds to Sri Lanka’s bowling challenges, especially with key all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga already missing. Sri Lanka is set to play against Zimbabwe in their final group-stage game of the T20 World Cup. Despite the setbacks, Sri Lanka remains unbeaten in the tournament and has secured a spot in the Super8s.
Sri Lanka’s upcoming matches include facing England and New Zealand before a third match, with the opponent yet to be confirmed. The team, led by Dasun Shanaka, is gearing up for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
