Dushan Hemantha Approved as Replacement for Injured Wanindu Hasaranga

Allrounder Dushan Hemantha has been officially approved as a replacement for injured Wanindu Hasaranga in Sri Lanka’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The decision was confirmed by the tournament’s Event Technical Committee (ETC).

Hemantha, who has represented Sri Lanka in five ODIs and three T20Is, was named as Hasaranga’s replacement after the star allrounder was ruled out with a left hamstring injury sustained during the match against Ireland on February 8.

Although Hasaranga completed his spell in that match—claiming 3 for 25 in four overs to disrupt Ireland’s chase of 164—an MRI scan conducted on Monday revealed a serious tear in his left hamstring. The medical report was reviewed by a specialist in the United Kingdom before he was officially ruled out on Tuesday.

The injury is understood to be linked to a previous hamstring issue, though it is not considered a direct recurrence. Hasaranga has struggled with injuries in recent years, including a foot problem.

According to tournament regulations, any player replacement must receive formal approval from the Event Technical Committee before being officially added to the squad.

The Event Technical Committee for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 consists of:

Wasim Khan – ICC General Manager – Cricket (ICC Representative)
Gaurav Saxena – IBC Representative
Hemang Amin – Host Representative
Shaun Pollock – Independent Representative