Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis and fast bowler Binura Fernando have been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against England after failing to recover from injuries sustained during the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that both players are still undergoing rehabilitation and will therefore miss the T20I leg of the England tour.
The development comes less than a day after both players were included in Sri Lanka's 16-member squad for the tour.
Mendis had been named captain of both the T20I and ODI sides. Following his withdrawal from the T20I series, Charith Asalanka, who had been appointed vice-captain, will now lead Sri Lanka in the T20Is.
Mendis has not yet been ruled out of the ODI series. Should he also miss those matches, Asalanka could take over the captaincy there as well.
Mendis has been sidelined since July 19 with a right hamstring injury, while Fernando has not played since August 5 because of a back injury.
Top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake, 24, has been called up to replace Mendis in the T20I squad, while fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has been brought in for Binura Fernando.
Asalanka returns to the T20I leadership group after being away from the format for several months. He is currently playing for St Lucia Kings in the CPL 2026.
The three T20Is between Sri Lanka and England will be played on September 15 in Southampton, September 17 in Cardiff and September 19 in Manchester.
The three-match ODI series will then take place on September 22 in Chester-le-Street, September 24 in Leeds and September 27 at The Oval.
Sri Lanka T20I squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Lahiru Udara (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka.
