Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to a shoulder injury, a significant setback for the Sri Lankan team. The 25-year-old cricketer sustained the injury during a T20I series against England, prompting the national selectors to seek a replacement.
In response, Pramod Madushan has been approved as Malinga’s replacement in Sri Lanka’s squad. Madushan brings experience to the team, having played 13 One Day Internationals and eight Twenty20 Internationals.
Sri Lanka’s updated squad for the T20 World Cup now includes Madushan, who will be looking to make an impact in the tournament. The team is placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka’s campaign will kick off against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. This tournament is crucial for Sri Lanka as they aim to replicate their success from 2014 when they won the T20 World Cup title.
The absence of Malinga, a key player, raises questions about Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy and overall performance in the tournament. Observers will be keen to see how the team adapts to this change and whether Madushan can fill the void left by Malinga.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Malinga’s injury and his potential recovery timeline. The team management is expected to provide updates as the tournament progresses.
