COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback, with fast bowler Eshan Malinga ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to a shoulder injury, while Pramod Madushan has been named as his replacement.
Malinga’s availability had been under serious doubt since he dislocated his shoulder during the second T20I against England earlier this month.
The injury occurred immediately after a rain interruption when the right-arm pacer delivered the first ball of his spell, clutching his non-bowling shoulder in visible pain before collapsing on the field.
He was subsequently ruled out of the third match of the series, and further medical assessment has now confirmed his absence from the global event.
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The young quick had recently strengthened his position in Sri Lanka’s pace attack following an impressive showing in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Since making his T20I debut in November last year, Eshan Malinga featured in eight matches, picking up eight wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 9.41.
Sri Lanka have turned to Pramod Madushan as his replacement, with the fast bowler returning to the T20I setup after a gap.
Madushan, who made his international debut in 2022, has played eight T20Is and claimed 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.63, with his last appearance in the format coming in 2023.
Sri Lanka squad
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan.
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