Dilshan Madushanka replaces injured Eshan Malinga in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad

Due to a shoulder injury, Eshan Malinga, the best fast bowler in Sri Lanka, will not be participating in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026. Malinga was forced to withdraw from the world competition after suffering an injury during the most recent three-match series against England at home. Meanwhile, the ICC has approved Sri Lanka's selection of Pramod Madushan as Malinga's injury substitute.

England won the 20-over match by six wickets to win the series in Kandy, but 25-year-old Malinga was unable to continue after getting hurt in his second over on Sunday. Madushan returns to the shortest format for the first time since the bilateral series in New Zealand in 2023. He has taken 12 wickets in eight T20 matches. Group B team Sri Lanka will play their first match against Ireland in Colombo on February 8.

T20 World Cup squad of Sri Lanka:

Pramod Madushan has been named as the replacement for injured pacer Eshan Malinga in Sri Lanka’s squad for the #T20WorldCup2026.

Malinga was ruled out after sustaining a shoulder injury during a T20I against England.

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— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) February 7, 2026

Notably, before Madushan could replace Malinga in their final roster, SLC needed the agreement of the ICC's Event Technical Committee. The Lankan Lions received permission to add the medium-fast bowler to their 15-man squad after the ICC determined that Malinga's shoulder issue had merit.

With his inclusion in the twenty-team tournament, which begins on February 7, Madushan, who has played for Sri Lanka in 13 ODIs and eight T20Is, will be hoping to contribute. Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, is co-hosting this year's T20 World Cup and has a very powerful team that should be able to defeat any opponent on their day.

Updated Sri Lanka: Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Dasun Shanaka (c)

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