Sri Lanka have named a 15-member squad for the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026, with Sahan Arachchige appointed as captain.
The team aims to return to the podium after missing out on a medal at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou.
The squad will depart for Japan on September 24 ahead of the 10-team T20 International tournament, scheduled from September 24 to October 3. All matches will be held at KÅrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.
The Sri Lankan squad comprises a mix of experienced players and fringe members. Key inclusions are all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and pacer Nuwan Thushara, along with batsmen Ashen Bandara and Sohan de Livera. Leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is also included, strengthening the spin bowling options.
The squad differs considerably from the one that recently played the three-match T20I series against England, which Sri Lanka lost 3-0. Only Nuwan Thushara and Tharindu Ratnayake feature in both squads. Charith Asalanka captained the side in England after Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando withdrew due to injuries. Fernando has recovered and been included in the Asian Games squad.
Cricket has been part of the Asian Games on three occasions since its debut at the 2010 Guangzhou Games. Sri Lanka earned bronze in Guangzhou and gold in Incheon in 2014. However, the country did not secure a medal in Hangzhou in 2023, where India won gold, Afghanistan silver, and Bangladesh bronze.
The Sri Lankan team will seek to return to the Asian Games podium for the first time since their 2014 victory when the tournament begins later this month.
Sri Lanka squad: Sahan Arachchige (captain), Lasith Croospulle, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Sineth Jayawardena, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sohan de Livera, Ashen Bandara, Chamika Karunaratne, Tharindu Ratnayake, Wanuja Sahan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushan Hemantha, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Garuka Sanketh.