- By Vishal Pushkar
- Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025: Sri Lanka Cricket Board on Monday announced the departure of captain Charith Asalanka and pacer Asith Fernando from Pakistan due to illness. In the absence of Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka will feature as captain in the upcoming Tri-Series involving hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
The statement read that the two players have returned home as a precautionary measure to ensure they receive adequate care and sufficient time to recover for upcoming responsibilities.
Uncapped batter Pavan Rathnayake, who made his ODI debut in the series against Pakistan recently, has been included in the T20I squad.
Sri Lanka will come into the series after suffering a 3-0 series loss to Pakistan in the ODI series.
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The upcoming matches will provide all three teams with vital preparation for next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Tri-series schedule:
November 18: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 20: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 22: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 23: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 25: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 27: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 29: Final
Last week, after the death of at least 12 people and injury to 27 others following a suicide blast in Islamabad outside the district and session courts building in the capital's G-11 area.
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Several members of Sri Lanka's squad, currently in Pakistan for a three-match ODI series against the hosts and a tri-nation series featuring Zimbabwe, have expressed concerns over their safety and have asked for permission to return home.
However, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled.
Inputs from ANI
