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Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with young fast bowler Eshan Malinga ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. The development comes at an unfortunate time for the Islanders, who were banking on Malinga’s pace and wicket-taking ability to strengthen their bowling attack in home conditions. The injury was sustained during the second T20I against England on February 1, casting a shadow over Sri Lanka’s preparations just days before the marquee event begins.
Shoulder injury rules out Eshan Malinga from T20 World Cup 2026
Malinga picked up the injury in dramatic fashion after a rain interruption in the match. Bowling the first delivery following the break, the pacer immediately clutched his non-bowling shoulder after releasing the ball and collapsed during his follow-through. He was taken off the field and subsequently missed the third T20I of the series. Medical assessments later confirmed that the injury would rule him out of the entire T20 World Cup campaign, dealing a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s ambitions.
Replacement announced for Malinga
In response to Malinga’s unfortunate exit, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced Pramod Madushan as his replacement in the 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Madushan, who was initially left out of the squad announced earlier this month, now gets a second opportunity to feature on the global stage.
The selectors have opted for Madushan as a like-for-like replacement, considering his ability to bowl at pace and operate effectively in the powerplay and middle overs. While he has not featured regularly in the T20I setup recently, Madushan’s numbers remain encouraging. In eight T20Is, he has picked up 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.63, which is notably better than Malinga’s 9.41 in the same number of matches.
For Madushan, the call-up is a chance to re-establish himself in the national side and make an impact in a high-pressure tournament. His return adds experience and depth to Sri Lanka’s seam bowling resources at a time when adaptability will be key.
Also READ: Mohammed Siraj in line to replace injured Harshit Rana in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Pace attack reshuffled as Sri Lanka finalize squad
Malinga’s absence is particularly disappointing given his recent rise in Sri Lanka’s pace hierarchy. The young seamer had earned a promotion in the pecking order after impressing during the 2025 IPL, where his raw pace and attacking intent caught the eye. Since making his T20I debut in November last year, he had taken eight wickets in eight matches, emerging as one of Sri Lanka’s exciting fast-bowling prospects.
With Madushan now drafted in, Sri Lanka’s pace attack will be led by Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera, offering a blend of express speed and experience. The Islanders, champions in 2014, will kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 8. Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe complete their group, making consistency and squad balance crucial for progression.
Sri Lanka squad (updated) for T20 World Cup 2026:Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan
Also READ: From Dinesh Karthik to Wasim Akram: Full list for commentators for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
