Sri Lanka announces squads for Pakistan tour and ODI tri-series

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced its squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, which includes a three-match T20I series starting October 9 and a five-team ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and England.

Kusal Mendis will captain the side for both formats. Notably, former captain Charith Asalanka has been dropped from both the T20I and ODI squads following a period of poor form, specifically scoring only 19 runs across three matches in a recent series against England. He is replaced in the ODI squad by Avishka Fernando and Sahan Arachchige.

The ODI tri-series is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to October 31. The tournament structure will see the top two teams advance to a final at Gaddafi Stadium. Several players, including Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera, remain in the squad pending medical clearance due to fitness concerns. Following the tri-series, Sri Lanka is scheduled to play a two-Test series against Pakistan in November.