Sri Lanka they faced a great failure ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with the young fast bowler Eshan Malinga was withdrawn from the tournament due to a shoulder injury. The development comes at an unfortunate time for the Islanders, who relied on Malinga’s pace and wicket-taking ability to bolster their bowling attack at home. The injury was picked up during the second T20I against England on February 1 and overshadowed Sri Lanka’s preparations just days before the celebratory event began.
Shoulder injury rules Eshan Malinga out of T20 World Cup 2026
Malinga suffered the injury in dramatic fashion after the match was interrupted by rain. The pacer, who was bowling the first over after the break, immediately grabbed the non-bowler’s shoulder after releasing the ball and collapsed during the chase. 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 serious blow to Sri Lanka’s ambitions.
A replacement was announced for Malinga
In response to Malinga’s poor performance, Sri Lanka Cricket announced Pramod Madushan As his replacement in the 15-man squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Initially left out of the squad announced earlier this month, Madushan now gets a second chance to perform on the global stage.
The selectors picked Madushan as a replacement given his ability to bat at the same pace and be effective in the powerplay and medium overs. Although he hasn’t featured regularly in the recent T20I setup, Madusha’s numbers remain promising. In eight T20Is, he has picked up 12 wickets with an economy rate of 8.63, 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 team and be effective in a high-pressure tournament. His return adds experience and depth to Sri Lanka’s seam bowling resources at a time when consistency will be key.
Also READ: Mohammad Siraj will replace the injured Harshit Rana in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
The pace attack was changed as Sri Lanka finalized the squad
Malinga’s absence is particularly disappointing given Sri Lanka’s recent rise up the pace hierarchy. The young seamer earned a promotion through the ranks after impressing in the 2025 IPL, where his raw pace and attacking intent stood out. Since his T20I debut in November last year, he has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s exciting fast bowling prospects, taking eight wickets in eight matches.
Madushan will now lead Sri Lanka’s pace attack as he is drafted Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameeraoffering a blend of fast speed and experience. The Islanders, champions in 2014, will begin their campaign against the T20 World Cup 2026. Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe complete their groups, making consistency and squad balance essential to progression.
Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 (Updated):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 Madhiranae, Matheathe.
Also READ: From Dinesh Karthik to Wasim Akram: Complete list of commentators for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
