Pathirana, who has been battling an upper respiratory tract infection, was deemed unfit to travel, while Madushanka is yet to recover from a knee injury sustained during domestic training.
Their absence is a major setback to Sri Lanka’s pace attack as the team prepares for a demanding series away from home.
The tour begins with a three-match ODI series against Pakistan starting November 11 in Rawalpindi, with all games scheduled at the same venue. After the ODIs, Sri Lanka will remain in Pakistan for a T20 tri-series beginning November 19, where Zimbabwe will join as the third team. The competition is seen as crucial preparation for all three nations ahead of next year’s ICC events.
Malinga Steps In for Injured Madushanka
To cover Madushanka’s absence, the selectors have drafted in young right-arm pacer Ishan Malinga for the ODIs. The selection committee, led by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, emphasized a balance between experience and youth in the latest squad reshuffle. Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Pramod Madhushan have also been added to strengthen both batting depth and all-round options.
Meanwhile, Navidu Fernando, Milan Priyanath Ratnayake, Nishan Madushka, and Dunith Wellalage have been left out. The team will continue under the leadership of Charith Asalanka, who has impressed in his brief stint as captain since being handed the reins earlier this year.
Four Changes in T20 Squad for Tri-Series
Sri Lanka’s T20 outfit, which failed to reach the Asia Cup final earlier this year, has undergone notable changes. Pathirana’s unavailability opened the door for seamer Asitha Fernando, while selectors opted to drop Navidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, and Binura Fernando.
Bhanuka Rajapakse, Janith Liyanage, Dushan Hemantha, and Ishan Malinga have earned recalls, reflecting the selectors’ intent to reinforce the middle order and bowling options. The T20 side will also be captained by Asalanka, with experienced names like Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Wanindu Hasaranga forming the team’s core.
Full Squads
ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madhushan, Ishan Malinga.
T20 Squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapakse, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Ishan Malinga.
The absence of Pathirana and Madushanka presents a fresh challenge for Sri Lanka’s bowling unit, which now banks heavily on Hasaranga’s all-round form and Chameera’s experience. With Pakistan’s home dominance and Zimbabwe’s resurgence, the tour promises a competitive contest and a critical test for Asalanka’s young side ahead of a packed 2026 cricket calendar.
