Asela Gunaratne and Shehan Madushanka ruled out for Nidhas Trophy

The 2018 Nidahas Trophy, which will celebrate Sri Lanka’s 70th year of independence, has been slated from the 8th March to 20th March. The tournament will feature three participating countries who will play seven T20Is in Colombo at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

However, a pressing concern remains over Sri Lanka’s injury woes prior to the tri-nation series. The Islanders dealt a major blow to their preparations as it has now been confirmed that all-rounder Asela Gunaratne and fast bowler Shehan Madushanka will be ruled out of the Nidahas Trophy starting in a fortnight’s time.

Gunaratne traveled to Bangladesh for the two-match T20I series but returned home without featuring in a single game after hurting his right shoulder during fielding drills. It was extremely unfortunate for Gunaratne as he only returned after spending 5 months on the sidelines. The 32-year-old had fractured his left thumb while attempting a catch kept him out of action for a considerable period before he made a comeback during Sri Lanka’s tour of India in December.

Madushanka, on the other hand, had to be helped off the field as he hurt his left hamstring while bowling his third over during the second T20I in Sylhet. Madushanka was supposed to undergo an MRI scan and according to Cricbuzz sources, he is speculated to be out for a considerable time. Chairman of Selectors Graeme Labrooy also confirmed that both players are highly unlikely to feature in the upcoming tri-nation tournament.

Sri Lanka under duress with a host of players injured

There are other injuries to players too, like captain Angelo Mathews, wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Janith Perera, and fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep. All four players will have to prove their fitness by Monday in order to be considered for selections.Thus with a host of players in doubt for the tournament, the Islanders can only pray to be able to field a decent team.

The tournament starts on March 6 with Sri Lanka taking on India in the curtain raiser. The final is scheduled for March 18. Bangladesh is the third participant in the competition.