Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to a shoulder injury sustained during a T20I series against England. The 25-year-old fast bowler’s absence is a significant blow for Sri Lanka, who are looking to replicate their 2014 World Cup success.
In his place, Pramod Madushan has been approved as a replacement for the tournament. Madushan brings experience to the squad, having played 13 One Day Internationals and eight Twenty20 Internationals.
Sri Lanka’s updated squad now includes Madushan as they prepare for their campaign in Group B, which features tough competitors like Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe.
The team’s first match is set against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Fans are eager to see how the squad adapts without Malinga’s presence on the field.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Malinga’s injury and his recovery timeline. As the tournament approaches, the Sri Lankan team will need to rally and find strength in their new lineup.
With the stakes high, Sri Lanka aims to make a strong impression in the tournament, hoping to advance beyond the group stage and vie for the title once again.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the impact of Malinga’s absence will be felt, but the team is determined to rise to the challenge.
