Sri Lanka name 15-strong T20 World Cup squad

Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka miss out while spinners Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama and Wanindu Hasaranga have made the cut

Men's T20 World Cup 2021 squads: Full player lists

Men's T20 World Cup 2021 fixtures

Sri Lanka have named their 15-strong squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Oman and the UAE.

The major omissions from the squad, which will be led by Dasun Shanaka, are Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, who are each serving a one-year ban after breaking Covid-19 protocols on Sri Lanka’s tour of England in July.

Upcoming off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana will lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack and is joined by Praveen Jayawickrama and Wanindu Hasaranga, the latter of whom is due to represent Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second half of the Indian Premier League.

Jayawickrama is the only uncapped player in the squad, but the 22-year-old has represented Sri Lanka in both Test and ODI matches and has a promising T20 economy of 5.13 after 14 matches.

^{Wanindu Hasaranga}

Dushmantha Chameera, another RCB signing, will lead the fast bowling department alongside Nuwan Pradeep and allrounder Chamika Karunaratne.

Four reserves have also been named, with Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Danajaya and Pulina Tharanga all travelling as injury cover.

Sri Lanka get their World Cup campaign underway on when they face Namibia in the UAE on October 18. They will then face Ireland and the Netherlands, with the top two teams advancing to the Super 12.

Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lahiru Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana

Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga