COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka have recalled Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva to their T20 squad for a three-match home series against Pakistan, as both sides step up preparations for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced an 18-member squad on Tuesday, with Dasun Shanaka named captain for the series to be played entirely in Dambulla.
All-rounder De Silva has not featured in a T20 international since June 2024, when Sri Lanka played the Netherlands.
The series is seen as a key final phase in Sri Lanka’s build-up to the T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with India from February 7 to March 8.
Sri Lanka Cricket said the squad includes several players who were not part of the earlier preliminary World Cup group.
“With the marquee tournament fast approaching, the series offers Sri Lanka an important opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum against a quality opposition,” the board said.
Sri Lanka squad
Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga.
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Pakistan finalising World Cup plans
Pakistan will also use the series to finalise their squad for the global tournament.
All of Pakistan’s World Cup matches will be played in Sri Lanka, making the tour an important opportunity to adjust to local conditions.
The Pakistan men’s team will be led by Salman Ali Agha, who has overseen a strong run in 2025, including victories in two T20 tri-series and bilateral series against Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa.
“The series provides a great opportunity for everyone to perform,” Salman said at a pre-series press conference.
“Playing here ahead of the World Cup is a significant advantage for us, and we will look to acclimatise to the conditions as quickly as possible.”
He added that the squad included several future prospects. “We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series,” he said.
Pakistan squad
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper) and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan have won three of the last five T20 internationals against Sri Lanka, including the knockout match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and the tri-series final in Rawalpindi.
The series schedule is:
- First T20I: Wednesday, January 7, Dambulla
- Second T20I: Friday, January 9, Dambulla
- Third T20I: Sunday, January 11, Dambulla
All matches will start at 7pm local time.
