Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup for SL; Madushanka named replacement

Sri Lanka have suffered a significant setback ahead of the Super 8 stages of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as pacer Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf strain. The announcement comes just before Sri Lanka’s final group-stage clash against Zimbabwe on February 19 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Batting coach Vikram Rathour confirmed the development in the pre-match press conference, saying, “I believe he has been declared unfit for the remainder of the tournament. If it hasn’t been officially announced yet, I expect that update to be released soon.” 

Dilshan Madushanka Called Up

To fill the gap left by Pathirana, the ICC has approved left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka as his replacement. “The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad,” the ICC said in an official release.

Madhushanka brings experience and proven skill to the squad, having claimed 15 wickets in 15 T20Is at a bowling average of 31.86 and a strike rate of 19.6. Sri Lanka will hope that his pace and variations can provide the necessary boost to their fast-bowling department as they head into the Super 8s.  With Pathirana ruled out, the spotlight will now be on Madhushanka to step up and fill the void left by one of Sri Lanka’s most formidable pacers.

Injury Details

Pathirana sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s recent group-stage match against Australia in Pallekelle. He had bowled just four deliveries before limping off the field, holding his left leg immediately after his opening over. The team physio rushed in to assess the injury, and Dasun Shanaka completed the remaining deliveries of the over. Pathirana did not return for the rest of the innings, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of the crucial Super 8 phase.

The timing of this injury is particularly concerning for Sri Lanka, who are already without the services of their star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. The absence of another key player could impact the balance and depth of their bowling attack, especially against top-quality batting units in Group B, which includes New Zealand, England, and Pakistan.