Former captain Charith Asalanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage and Dhananjaya de Silva are set to be recalled to the Sri Lanka squad for the three-match T20 International series against Pakistan scheduled for next month.
Young off-spinner Traveen Mathews, who has impressed with his recent performances, is also expected to be included in the squad.
Asalanka’s return is among the most closely watched. He played no part in the recent tri-nation series in Pakistan, returning midway through the tournament due to illness along with pacer Asitha Fernando. His attempt to withdraw from the tour ultimately cost him the captaincy and fuelled speculation that his future in the T20 format was under threat.
Asalanka’s numbers in 2025 have done little to silence his critics. He has managed just 156 runs in 13 matches, a modest return for a player regarded as a key component of Sri Lanka’s middle order. However, his recall suggests that the new selection panel is placing a premium on experience over form, with faith likely to be placed in his ability to stabilise the innings at the crucial No. 5 position.
Pathirana’s recall is largely attributed to his impact with the ball. He was among the biggest purchases at the recent Indian Premier League auction, attracting a bid of nearly US$2 million (approximately Rs. 600 million), highlighting his value in the shortest format. Despite this, his contribution to Sri Lanka this year has been limited, having played just two T20Is and taken one wicket. However, he impressed for the Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20, claiming five wickets in three matches, including figures of three for 19.
Perhaps the most surprising recall is that of Dhananjaya de Silva. The Sri Lanka Test captain has not featured in a T20 international for over a year and has not played an ODI series since the 50-over World Cup in India. Nevertheless, with the middle order continuing to show signs of instability, selectors appear willing to reconsider his inclusion.
Dhananjaya has played 45 T20Is, scoring 847 runs at an average of 21.17 with a strike rate of 115.86. While those figures are not eye-catching, his experience and composure may have weighed in his favour.
Off-spinner Traveen Mathews, who claimed seven wickets in three matches, emerged as a standout performer at the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. The 21-year-old is set to earn a place in the 18-man squad.
The squad has reportedly been finalised and submitted to the Minister of Sports for approval.
Wellalage, who captained Sri Lanka in one of the tournaments he featured in, delivered solid all-round performances with both bat and ball. How these recalled players fit into the final XI remains to be seen.
Leg-spinner Vijayakanth Vyaskanth, along with batsmen Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Pawan Ratnayake, are also likely to feature in the series.
Following the Pakistan tour, Sri Lanka will host England for another three-match T20I series, before shifting focus to the T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with India.
