Sri Lanka Announces Squad, Asia Cup 2025 Opener Against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has revealed its 16-member team for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.

Charith Asalanka, a batting all-rounder, will captain the reigning champions in the T20I format tournament.

The squad includes star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who was previously absent from the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe preceding the eight-team competition.

The Zimbabwe series is scheduled in Harare from September 3 to 7, concluding just before the Asia Cup 2025 begins.

Hasaranga suffered a hamstring injury during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July, keeping him out of action since then.

He was notably missing from Sri Lanka’s squad for the two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting Friday, and his exclusion from the subsequent T20Is had raised concerns about his Asia Cup participation.

Hasaranga replaces uncapped spinner Vishen Halambage and all-rounder Dushan Hemantha in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, the only changes made to the team.

Sri Lanka, positioned in Group B, will commence their campaign against Bangladesh at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 13. They will then face Hong Kong and Afghanistan on September 15 and 18, respectively, in their remaining group matches.

Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana.