Eshan Malinga’s Injury Puts T20 World Cup 2026 Participation in Doubt for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s star fast bowler Eshan Malinga may not play in the T20 World Cup 2026. He is in the team, but there are worries about his injury. Just four days in Pallekele, Eshan had dislocated his shoulder while bowling. After bowling the second delivery of his 2nd over against England, Eshan walked off the field. Later, reports suggested that Eshan wouldn’t be included in Sri Lanka’s squad and would need about 4 to 6 weeks to recover.

Even though there were injury worries, Eshan was named in the squad. The team, led by Dasun Shanaka, selected only three fast bowlers for the tournament, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Matheesha Pathirana. Earlier today, Shanaka was asked about Eshan’s availability and fitness during the captain’s meet in Colombo.

Eshan Malinga’s Fitness in Doubt Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The all-rounder stated that the medical team will provide a proper report on the pacer soon. If Eshan won’t be fit for selection, Dilshan Madushanka or Pramod Madushan could replace him.

“Actually, at the moment, it’s very uncertain. I think his condition is still being assessed. Very soon, a full report will be given about him,” Shanaka told reporters.

When asked about Sri Lanka’s results in the last few T20 World Cups, Shanaka said the team has become more experienced over time and he believes they will do better playing at home.

“Actually, during the past tournaments, the players who attended were less experienced. I think by now, by the 2026 World Cup, they are in a higher place with the experiences. So that’s our responsibility; that experience was given to us by Sri Lankan cricket. Every player has a responsibility to give something back to Sri Lanka Cricket; I think everyone is ready to serve the country,” Shanaka added.

Sri Lanka’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

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