T20 World Cup 2026: Malinga ruled out, Sri Lanka names fast bowler as injury replacement

Sri Lanka's premier fast bowler Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after a shoulder injury. Malinga had undergone the injury during the recent three-match series against England at home, which has now forced him out of the global tournament. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have named Pramod Madushan as an injury replacement for Malinga, to which the ICC has given the approval.

Notably, SLC required the approval of ICC's Event Technical Committee before replacing Malinga with Madushan in their final squad. The ICC found substance in Malinga's shoulder injury, which further cleared the way for the Lankan Lions to get the approval for welcoming the medium-fast bowler into their 15-member unit.

Madushan has featured for Sri Lanka in 13 ODIs and eight T20Is and will be looking to add value with his inclusion for the twenty-team tournament, getting underway on February 7. The Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka are also the co-hosts for this edition of the T20 World Cup and have a really strong unit, which looks good enough to beat any opposition on their day.

Sri Lanka's updated squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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

Sri Lanka's schedule for T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka are placed in Group B of the competition and will compete in a race for the Super Eights against teams like Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. They will open their campaign against the Irishmen on Sunday in Colombo (R. Premadasa Stadium), following which, they will stay in Kandy to play Oman (February 12) and Australia (February 16) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Their last league stage game will be against the Chevrons on February 19 in Colombo.