Sri Lanka Cricket has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan, with Kusal Mendis continuing as captain. The series, which also features England, runs from October 18 to 31 and forms a key part of Sri Lanka’s build-up to the 2027 World Cup.
Background
The ODI tri-series arrives at the end of a demanding tour schedule for Sri Lanka. The team first plays a three-match T20I series against hosts Pakistan in Rawalpindi, beginning October 9, before switching formats for the 50-over tri-series involving Pakistan and England. Matches in this phase of the tour are scheduled across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
With the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on the horizon, Sri Lanka’s selectors have used this squad announcement to settle on a core group of players. The tri-series gives the team a chance to test combinations in match conditions before the broader World Cup qualification and preparation cycle picks up pace.
Details
Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka has been included in the squad, but his participation is not yet guaranteed. He will only travel with the team to Pakistan if he receives medical clearance, meaning his fitness will need to be monitored closely in the coming weeks.
The squad blends experienced campaigners with newer faces looking to cement their places. Avishka Fernando and Sahan Arachchige have both earned recalls, while Pavan Rathnayake and Kamil Mishara add further depth to the top order alongside captain Mendis and Nissanka.
In the bowling department, Sri Lanka have included Maheesh Theekshana and Sachindu Colombage as frontline spin options, working alongside all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. Dushmantha Chameera returns to the pace attack following recent fitness concerns, joined by Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
One of the more notable decisions was the omission of former white-ball captain Charith Asalanka from the ODI squad. Wanindu Hasaranga has also been left out, continuing a pattern of selectors prioritising players who are fully fit and available for the full tour.
Full squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.
Quotes
Sri Lanka Cricket’s selection committee confirmed the squad in an official statement, framing the tri-series as an important step in the team’s preparation for the 2027 World Cup. The board’s messaging has consistently emphasised building a settled core combination over the coming months rather than making wholesale changes close to the global tournament.
Impact
For Sri Lanka, this series carries weight beyond the immediate results. With the next World Cup cycle approaching, how this squad performs against two strong opponents in Pakistan and England will shape selectors’ thinking heading into further fixtures. A clear run of form from the recalled players, in particular, could influence longer-term squad planning.
For Pakistan, hosting a full tri-series that includes England is also significant from a cricketing and commercial standpoint, continuing the country’s recent run of successfully staging major international fixtures on home soil after years of limited hosting opportunities.
Conclusion
Attention now turns to Nissanka’s fitness update and the start of the T20I series in Rawalpindi on October 9, which will offer an early look at how this Sri Lankan group functions together. If Nissanka is cleared to play, Sri Lanka will head into the ODI tri-series with close to a full-strength squad, setting up a competitive series against Pakistan and England through the rest of October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Sri Lanka announced its squad for the tri-series in Pakistan?
Yes, Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced a 16-member squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, with Kusal Mendis named as captain. The squad was confirmed by the board’s selection committee and includes a mix of established international players and newer names who have earned recalls based on recent domestic and international form. Notably, opening batsman Pathum Nissanka has been included in the squad list, but his final travel and playing status depends on him passing a medical fitness assessment before the series begins.
Which teams are involved in the Pakistan tri-series?
The tri-series involves three teams: hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England. All three sides will compete in a round-robin format of ODI matches as part of their respective preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. This tri-series follows a separate three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, meaning Pakistan hosts an extended multi-format cricket schedule through October and into November, covering T20Is, the ODI tri-series, and a Test series against Sri Lanka.
Where will the tri-series be played?
The ODI tri-series matches are scheduled to be played across two major Pakistani cities, Rawalpindi and Lahore, running from October 18 to 31. These venues have hosted a significant share of Pakistan’s international fixtures in recent years as the country has worked to rebuild its reputation as a venue for major cricket events. Specific match-by-match venue and fixture details are typically confirmed closer to the start of the series by the host cricket board.
