Pakistan Tri-Series 2025: Key Sri Lankan Players Exit Amid Health Concerns

Two senior players from the Sri Lankan cricket team, including captain Charith Asalanka, are set to return home from their current tour in Pakistan due to illness, according to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday.

In an official statement, SLC announced that Dasun Shanaka has been appointed as the new captain for the ongoing T20 tri-series, which also features the host nation Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando will be replaced by Pavan Rathnayake.

“Captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando, both suffering from illness, will be returning home. They will not participate in the upcoming tri-series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe,” SLC stated on social media platform X.

The board did not specify the nature of the illnesses but mentioned that the players were called back to ensure they receive proper medical attention in preparation for a busy season ahead.

“This precautionary measure will allow them the needed time for recovery before future commitments. Dasun Shanaka will take over as captain in Asalanka’s absence. Pavan Rathnayake has been brought into the T20I squad as a replacement,” the statement added.

Concerns about security arose among several Sri Lankan team members after a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad, but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi assured them of heightened security measures, which persuaded the team to continue their tour.

The second ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, initially scheduled in Rawalpindi on November 13, was postponed to November 14, while the third ODI was moved from November 15 to 16 at the same venue.

Security concerns also led the PCB to delay the T20I tri-series opener between Pakistan and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 18, and all matches will now be held solely in Rawalpindi instead of Lahore as initially planned. Seven matches were adjusted accordingly, and the final will take place exclusively in Rawalpindi.

Following a string of bomb blasts in Islamabad that resulted in 12 fatalities and numerous injuries, the Pakistan government assigned the security of the Sri Lankan team to the military forces, enabling the continuation of the tour.

Published on November 17, 2025.