Sri Lanka There is a big shock ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with young fast bowler Ishaan Malinga Was out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. The development comes at an unfortunate time for the Islanders, who were counting on Malinga’s pace and wicket-taking ability to strengthen their bowling attack in home conditions. The injury occurred during the second T20 match against England on February 1, hampering Sri Lanka’s preparations just days before the start of the crucial event.
Ishan Malinga has been ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 due to shoulder injury.
Malinga suffered a dramatic injury after the match was interrupted by rain. While bowling the first ball after the break, the fast bowler caught his non-bowling shoulder immediately after releasing the ball and fell during the follow-through. He was taken off the field and subsequently did not play the third T20 match of the series. Medical assessment later confirmed that the injury would rule him out of the entire T20 World Cup campaign, dealing a major blow to Sri Lanka’s ambitions.
Malinga’s replacement announced
In response to Malinga’s unfortunate exit, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced Pramod Madushan As his replacement in the 15-man squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Madushan, who was initially left out of the squad announced earlier this month, has now got a second chance to feature on the global stage.
Given his ability to bowl fast and work effectively in the powerplay and middle overs, the selectors have chosen Madushan as a similar replacement. Although he has not featured regularly in the T20I setup recently, Madushan’s numbers remain encouraging. In eight T20Is, he has taken 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.63, which is much better than Malinga’s 9.41 in the same matches.
For Madushan, the call-up is a chance to re-establish himself in the national team and make an impact in a high-pressure tournament. His return adds experience and depth to Sri Lanka’s seam bowling resources, at a time when adaptability will be key.
Also read: Mohammed Siraj will replace injured Harshit Rana in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
Sri Lanka made changes in the fast attack as soon as the team was decided
Malinga’s absence is particularly disappointing given his rise in Sri Lanka’s fast bowling order in recent times. The young seamer earned a promotion up the pecking order after impressing during the 2025 IPL, where his raw pace and attacking intent caught everyone’s attention. Since making his T20I debut in November last year, he has taken eight wickets in eight matches, emerging as one of Sri Lanka’s exciting fast bowling prospects.
Now with the addition of Madushan, Sri Lanka’s pace attack will be led Mathisha Pathirana And Dushmantha ChameeraExpress offers a blend of speed and experience. Champions in 2014, the Islanders will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ireland On 8 February, R. of Colombo. At Premadasa Stadium. Australia, Oman And zimbabwe Complete your group, making continuity and squad balance key to progression.
Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026 (updated):Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Zenith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Zenith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Vellaage, Mahish Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan.
Also read: From Dinesh Karthik to Wasim Akram: Complete list of commentators for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
