Sri Lanka Cricket Board has announced its team for T20 World Cup 2026. Kamindu Mendis has been included in this team captained by all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. Star player Dhananjay de Silva, who has been out of form for quite some time, has been dropped. The team’s first match is with Ireland on 8 February.

Sri Lanka is co-host with India in the T20 World Cup 2026. The team’s first match is with Ireland in Colombo. The tournament is starting from 7th February, Sri Lanka’s first match is on 8th February. Sri Lanka won its only T20 World Cup title in 2014. Then the team became champion by defeating India in the final.

Kamindu Mendis returns

The most discussion is on the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis in place of Dhananjay de Silva. Kamindu was not a part of the starting eleven in the T20 series against Pakistan last month, after which he was dropped from the T20 series against England. He has been included in the squad for the T20 World Cup.

Star player Dhananjay de Silva has been dropped, whose recent form was not good. In the 3 ODIs played against England in January, he scored a total of 59 runs, whereas in the first T20 against England, he was out after scoring only 11 runs. He was dropped from the playing 11 in the second T20, which has now also been dropped from the T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Zenith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Velalage, Mahish Teekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana, Ishan Malinga.

Sri Lanka team schedule

• 8 February, vs Ireland- Colombo
• 12 February, vs Oman- Pallekele
• 16 February, vs Australia – Pallekele
• 19 February, vs Zimbabwe- Colombo.