Reports: Thisara Perera to captain Sri Lankan T20I team in Pakistan

Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera has been named as the captain of the T20 team for the three match series against Pakistan. If reports are to be believed, Dilshan Munaveera, Danushka Gunathilika, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Lahiru Gamage, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milinda Siriwardena, Sachith Senanayake, Lakshan Sandakan, Seekuge Prasanna, Ashan Priyanjan, Sadeera Samarwikrama and Niroshan Dickwela are the notable inclusions in the squad, as reported by Cricket Age.

Earlier, it was only Thisara Perera and two other players from the current ODI squad who were willing to go to Pakistan for the T20I series. Since, the limited overs skipper, Upul Tharanga pulled out of the series citing security reasons, Kusal Perera was being seen as the candidate most suited for leading the side.

But, because he is still recuperating from the hamstring injury that he had picked up during the ICC Champions Trophy match against India in June, it was always doubtful. It is, however, clear now that he will not become the ninth captain to lead Sri Lanka in the shortest format of the game.

Top players pulled out

The three match series will commence from 26th October, while the third match will be played on 29th October at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. Almost all the top bracket players of Sri Lanka, including Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Lasith Malinga have pulled out of the series citing security concerns.

There was lack of positive response surrounding the upcoming Tour among the Lankans. However, after ICC clearance of the security concerns regarding the match and announced to send match officials, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board made the decision to play there and support Pakistan Cricket.

The Sri Lanka team support staff, including four former International players Manager-cum-selector-cum-administrator Asanka Gurusinha, Coach Nic Pothas, batting Coach Hashan Tilankaratne and bowling Coach Rumesh Ratnayake, have already expressed their willingness to travel to Lahore.