Sri Lanka’Sri Lanka will head to Pakistan for a demanding multi-format assignment carrying both the lessons of a difficult England campaign and the opportunity to rebuild momentum ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The tour begins with a three-match T20I series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13, followed by an ODI tri-nation series involving Pakistan and England from October 18 to 31.
Sri Lanka’s preparations come after a mixed ODI campaign in England. The visitors lost the opening ODI by 89 runs, fought back strongly to level the series at Headingley, but England ultimately won the deciding third ODI. The series also brought an injury setback, with experienced all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out after suffering lower-back pain.
There will be further concern over the fitness of Pathum Nissanka, who has been included in Sri Lanka’s 16-member ODI squad for Pakistan but will travel only if he receives medical clearance.
Kusal Mendis will captain the ODI side, which includes a mixture of experienced players and emerging talent.
The squad provides several options in both batting and bowling, while the return of Pathum Nissanka, subject to fitness, would strengthen the top order.
For Sri Lanka, the Pakistan assignment is more than another overseas tour. The tri-nation series will place the team against two quality opponents and provide an important opportunity to test its ODI combination under pressure.
The recent England experience has exposed areas that need improvement, particularly consistency and the ability to convert strong performances into series victories. Pakistan will present another demanding challenge, with home conditions and a competitive opposition expected to test Sri Lanka’s adaptability.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, every ODI now carries added significance. The Pakistan tour gives Sri Lanka an opportunity to turn the disappointment in England into progress — and to find the combination capable of carrying the national team forward.
Sri Lanka’s 16-member ODI squad for the Pakistan tri-series:
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.
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