Sri Lanka became the last of the six sides to name their squad for the 2023 Asia Cup, largely due to myriad injuries and positive Covid-19 tests. A day before the event begins, in Pakistan, Sri Lanka have now announced their 15-member squad that will be led by Dasun Shanaka, with Kusal Mendis as his deputy.

The side begin their campaign in the event on August 31 (Thursday), taking on Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

SL 2023 Asia Cup injury update for Sri Lanka squad

The bowling resources have been seriously depleted with injuries to Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is also suffering from a grade two thigh strain and will miss a few games, at least. The four bowlers were picked in the original squad but have missed out from the final team.

While Madushanka tore his oblique muscle during training last week, while Chameera has a pectoral injury. Both quicks will also battle time to be fit for the World Cup. Kumara, on the other hand, has suffered a side strain, a recurrent injury that has hampered him in his career.

Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan could also be given call-ups to the team, pending approval from the Ministry of Sports and Youth. The two players have been picked as last-minute inclusions due to the number of injuries.

Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando are suffering from COVID-19. Perera has been selected in the squad and will only join the team when he is declared fit.

SL squad for Asia Cup

Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera (when fit), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando (subject to approval), Pramod Madushan (subject to approval).