Sri Lanka have suffered a setback ahead of the Pakistan–England–Sri Lanka ODI tri-series, with opening batter Pathum Nissanka ruled out of the tournament because of a hamstring injury.
Nissanka has not received medical clearance to return to competitive cricket, prompting Sri Lanka Cricket to name Lahiru Udara as his replacement in the ODI squad. The tournament begins on October 18, with hosts Pakistan facing Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
The right-handed opener was initially included in Sri Lanka’s squad subject to fitness clearance. However, his recovery has not progressed sufficiently for him to resume playing, ruling him out of the competition.
Why Is Pathum Nissanka Missing the Tri-Series?
Nissanka sustained a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s recent white-ball tour of England. The injury also forced him to miss the three-match T20I series against Pakistan earlier this month.
The batter had been working towards a return for the ODI tournament, but the medical clearance required to resume competitive cricket has not been granted.
His absence removes an established opening option from Sri Lanka’s batting line-up as the team prepares to face Pakistan and England in a seven-match tournament.
Nissanka has also been included in Sri Lanka’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on November 9. However, his participation in that series remains subject to fitness clearance.
Lahiru Udara Replaces Nissanka
Sri Lanka have called up Lahiru Udara as Nissanka’s replacement. The batter has represented Sri Lanka in five Test matches and seven T20 Internationals but is yet to make his ODI debut.
Udara recently impressed in T20 cricket, scoring 91 runs against Pakistan in the opening match of their T20I series. He also has a Test century to his name, having scored 188 against the West Indies in July 2026.
The tri-series could provide Udara with an opportunity to make his first appearance in international one-day cricket if selected in the playing XI.
Sri Lanka Face Pakistan in Opening Match
The ODI tri-series features Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest the opening fixture at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18. England begin their campaign against Pakistan on October 20.
Sri Lanka will now need to adjust their opening combination following Nissanka’s withdrawal. The tournament will be an important test for the side as it looks to compete against two strong ODI teams.
For Nissanka, the immediate priority will be completing his recovery and securing medical clearance before returning to international cricket.
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