Sri Lanka have been forced into a key squad change after all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a left hamstring injury, paving the way for Dushan Hemantha to step in as his replacement.
Hemantha, who has represented Sri Lanka in five ODIs and three T20Is, received official clearance from the Event Technical Committee (ETC) after Hasaranga sustained the injury during the match against Ireland on 8 February.
The ICC confirmed that all squad replacements must be approved by the ETC, which includes Wasim Khan, Gaurav Saxena, Hemang Amin, and Shaun Pollock, before a player can be formally added to the tournament roster.
Sri Lanka’s updated squad: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan
Accordingly, New Zealand also suffered a setback with all-rounder Michael Bracewell ruled out after picking up a calf injury during warm-ups ahead of their clash against Afghanistan in Chennai, leaving the Black Caps yet to announce a replacement.
With two experienced all-rounders sidelined, both Sri Lanka and New Zealand now face crucial balance adjustments as the race for momentum intensifies in the early stages of the global tournament.
