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Sri Lanka's Malinga Out, Madushan In for T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved Pramod Madushan as a replacement for the injured Eshan Malinga in Sri Lanka's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Malinga was ruled out after sustaining a shoulder injury during a T20I against England earlier this month. Madushan, a 24-year-old medium-fast bowler, brings experience from 8 T20Is where he has taken 12 wickets. Sri Lanka will begin their Group B campaign against Ireland on February 8 in Colombo.

Key Points: Madushan Replaces Injured Malinga in Sri Lanka T20 WC Squad

  • Malinga injured vs England
  • ICC committee approves swap
  • Madushan has 12 T20I wickets
  • Sri Lanka in Group B
  • First match vs Ireland Feb 8
2 min read

T20 WC 2026: Madushan approved as replacement for Malinga in Sri Lanka squad

ICC approves Pramod Madushan as replacement for Eshan Malinga in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup 2026 squad after bowler's shoulder injury.

"Madushan... was named as a replacement after Malinga was ruled out following a shoulder injury - ICC"

Colombo, Feb 6

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Friday approved Pramod Madushan as a replacement for Eshan Malinga in the Sri Lanka squad.

"Madushan, a medium-fast bowler who has played 13 ODIs and eight T20Is, was named as a replacement after Malinga was ruled out following a shoulder injury sustained during the bilateral T20I against England on 1 February," ICC said in a statement.

The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee (ETC) before the player can be officially added to the squad.

Malinga was added in the T20I squad after a good IPL 2025 season fro Sunrisers Hyderabad. After debuting in November 2025, he has picked up eight wickets woth an economy of 9.41.

Madushan, 24 years old and previously played for the Sri Lanka national cricket team in eight T20Is and has taken 12 wickets at an average of 8.63 runs per over. Madushan last played in an international T20I on April 28, 2023.

With the pace bowling attack of Madushan, together with his team mates Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka will compete against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on February 8.

Sri Lanka are placed in Group B, and will also face Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe in a bid to qualify for the Super Eights.

Sri Lanka squad: 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, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting choice. His economy rate of 8.63 is a bit on the higher side for T20 cricket, no? Hope he can control the runs against a team like Ireland. The Lankan pace attack still looks good on paper.
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Arjun K
As an Indian fan, I always enjoy watching Sri Lankan cricket. They have such talented players. Malinga is a legend, but it's time for the new generation. All the best to Madushan! Hope we get a great IND vs SL match in the tournament.
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Sarah B
The process seems very formal with the Event Technical Committee approval. Must be stressful for the player waiting for that green signal. Wishing him a successful debut in the WC context.
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Vikram M
Pathirana and Chameera are the real threats. Madushan needs to support them well. The match is in Colombo, so home advantage should help. Let's see if the batting lineup can put up a good total.
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Karthik V
Last played an international T20I in April 2023? That's almost a year ago. He might be a bit rusty. Hope the team management has given him enough match practice in the nets. Fingers crossed for the Lankan lions! 🦁

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