Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out of Pakistan ODI Tri-Series Due to Hamstring Injury
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: Sri Lanka opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) tri-series in Pakistan after failing to obtain medical clearance to return to competitive cricket.
The tournament features hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England and is scheduled to run from October 18 to 31, 2026. Sri Lanka Cricket has named Lahiru Udara as Nissanka’s replacement in the 16-member squad, according to reports published on October 16.
Hamstring Injury Keeps Nissanka Out
Nissanka sustained a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s recent white-ball tour of England. Although he was initially included in the squad, his participation was conditional on receiving medical clearance.
His recovery has not progressed sufficiently for him to resume playing, ruling him out of the tournament.
The opener had also missed Sri Lanka’s recent T20I series against Pakistan because of the injury. His absence leaves Sri Lanka without an established top-order batter for the upcoming ODI competition.
Lahiru Udara Named as Replacement
Sri Lanka have brought Lahiru Udara into the squad in place of Nissanka.
Udara has represented Sri Lanka in Test and T20I cricket but has yet to make his ODI debut, according to published reports. His inclusion gives the team another batting option ahead of the three-nation tournament.
Sri Lanka’s revised squad will be led by Kusal Mendis.
Sri Lanka Prepare for Pakistan and England
The seven-match tri-series begins on October 18, with Pakistan scheduled to face Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The round-robin stage will include fixtures in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the top two teams qualifying for the final on October 31 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Sri Lanka will need to adjust its opening combination following Nissanka’s withdrawal as the team prepares to compete against Pakistan and England.
Test Series Availability Remains Subject to Fitness
Nissanka has also been included in Sri Lanka’s squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan scheduled for November.
However, his participation in the Test matches will depend on his recovery and medical clearance. His selection does not guarantee that he will be fit to play.
Sri Lanka will now focus on preparing its available batters for the ODI tri-series while Nissanka continues his recovery.
