Sri Lanka have made a significant change to their ODI squad ahead of the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan, leaving former captain Charith Asalanka out of the 16-member squad. The tournament will feature Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England, with the three teams set to compete across venues in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Asalanka’s omission comes after an underwhelming ODI series against England. The left-handed batter managed scores of just 1, 11 and 7 during the three-match series, which Sri Lanka lost 2-1. Despite having an impressive overall ODI record, the recent lack of runs appears to have cost him his place in the squad.

Asalanka has scored 3,200-plus runs in 88 ODIs at an average of 40.55, but the selectors have opted to look at other options ahead of an important assignment in Pakistan.

Avishka Fernando Returns

While Asalanka has been dropped, Sri Lanka have recalled batter Avishka Fernando and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige.

Fernando returns to the ODI setup after producing an impressive run of form in domestic cricket. He scored 447 runs in seven innings in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament, averaging 63.85.

That consistency has earned him another opportunity at international level. Sri Lanka will hope his domestic form can translate into runs against strong opposition in the tri-series.

Arachchige, meanwhile, has been brought back into the squad as Sri Lanka look to replace the all-round contribution previously provided by Wanindu Hasaranga.

Hasaranga will miss the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury during the recent tour of England. His absence leaves a significant gap in Sri Lanka’s squad, particularly given his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

Apart from these changes, the rest of the ODI squad remains largely the same as the group that played England.

Kusal Mendis to Lead Sri Lanka

Kusal Mendis will continue as Sri Lanka’s captain for the tri-series.

Mendis was unavailable for part of the England tour because of a hamstring injury, which also affected Sri Lanka’s leadership arrangements. Asalanka stepped in as captain for the T20I series after Mendis failed to recover in time.

Asalanka had also served as Sri Lanka’s vice-captain during the England tour, making his subsequent omission particularly notable.

His removal from the ODI squad follows his earlier absence from the T20I squad selected for the three-match series against Pakistan. It means Asalanka will miss both limited-overs assignments in Pakistan.

For Sri Lanka, the decision represents a clear indication that recent form is being prioritised as the team prepares for an important series.

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Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad

Sri Lanka’s squad for the ODI tri-series includes a mixture of established international players and younger options.

Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.

The squad contains several players capable of making an impact in Pakistan conditions. Sri Lanka will particularly depend on their experienced players to provide stability while their younger members look to make their mark.

Fitness Concerns Over Nissanka and Chameera

Sri Lanka’s preparations are not without fitness concerns.

Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been included in the ODI squad despite being ruled out of the preceding T20I series. His participation in the tri-series will depend on receiving medical clearance.

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that Nissanka will travel with the team only if he is declared medically fit.

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is another player whose fitness remains under consideration. He was included conditionally in the T20I squad and must also receive clearance before being confirmed for action.

The fitness of both players could be important for Sri Lanka. Nissanka provides an experienced option at the top of the batting order, while Chameera brings pace and international experience to the bowling attack.

A Big Opportunity for Avishka Fernando

For Fernando, the tri-series represents an opportunity to make the most of his return.

His domestic numbers have been particularly encouraging. Scoring 447 runs in seven innings at an average above 63 shows that he has been consistently converting starts into substantial scores.

The challenge now will be to replicate that form against international bowling attacks.

Pakistan conditions can offer different challenges from domestic cricket in Sri Lanka, while England will provide another high-quality test for the batting lineup. Fernando will therefore have an immediate chance to prove that his domestic performances deserve a regular place in the national ODI side.

Tri-Series Begins on October 18

The ODI tri-series is scheduled to begin on October 18 in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the opening match.

Each team will play the other sides once in Rawalpindi before the competition moves to Lahore for the second round of matches. The final is scheduled to take place on October 31.

The format gives every team multiple opportunities to assess their combinations before the final. For Sri Lanka, the tournament will also provide valuable match practice ahead of future international commitments.

The team will enter the competition after losing the ODI series in England, meaning there will be pressure to respond with better performances.

Asalanka’s Absence Adds Interest

The biggest talking point remains the absence of Asalanka.

Asalanka’s ODI record suggests that he has been an important contributor for Sri Lanka over the past few years, but his recent scores against England have clearly worked against him. The fact that he has also been left out of the T20I squad indicates that the selectors are looking for a response from the former captain.

At the same time, the decision gives other batters an opportunity to establish themselves.

Sri Lanka’s selection committee will be hoping that the combination of experienced players, returning performers and younger talent can produce better results in Pakistan.

With Kusal Mendis back as captain, Avishka Fernando returning in strong domestic form and several players competing for places, Sri Lanka’s campaign will be closely watched.

The tournament begins with a major challenge against Pakistan, and the team will need to adapt quickly to the conditions in Rawalpindi.

For Asalanka, the omission could serve as a reminder that even established international players are not guaranteed a place when recent performances fall short. For Fernando and the other recalled players, however, it represents an opportunity to turn their selection into a long-term place in Sri Lanka’s ODI setup.