Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026, with Niroshan Dickwella returning to the T20I setup for the first time since 2021.
The squad will be led by Sahan Arachchige, while several regular members of Sri Lanka’s first-choice T20I team have been rested for the tournament.
The selection also includes a number of emerging players who have impressed in recent domestic competitions.
Dickwella and Ashen Bandara Make Comebacks
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the return of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella.
Dickwella last represented Sri Lanka in T20 internationals in 2021. His Asian Games selection therefore marks a significant return to the national T20 setup after a five-year absence.
Ashen Bandara has also been recalled. His most recent international appearance came in 2023.
Although both players had relatively modest Lanka Premier League campaigns in 2026, the selectors appear to have valued their international experience in a squad containing several younger players.
Dickwella scored 110 runs for Dambulla Sixers during the LPL at a strike rate of 142.85, while Bandara featured in three matches for Colombo Kaps and scored 28 runs.
Four Players Receive Maiden T20I Call-Ups
Sri Lanka have also included four uncapped players in the Asian Games squad:
- Sineth Jayawardena
- Sohan de Livera
- Wanuja Sahan
- Garuka Sanketh
Their inclusion reflects strong performances in Sri Lanka’s domestic T20 competitions.
Sineth Jayawardena and Sohan de Livera Rewarded for Domestic Form
Top-order left-hand batters Sineth Jayawardena and Sohan de Livera earned their opportunities after finishing among the leading run-scorers in the Major Clubs T20 Tournament.
Jayawardena scored 372 runs at a strike rate of 167.56, while de Livera accumulated 307 runs at 156.63.
Jayawardena, who previously captained Sri Lanka at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, also produced one of the standout innings of the domestic tournament.
He smashed 82 from just 32 balls in the final, helping Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club defeat Sinhalese Sports Club.
His combination of aggressive batting and leadership experience could make him an important player during the Asian Games.
Wanuja Sahan Strengthens the All-Round Options
Left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Wanuja Sahan also earned his first T20I squad selection after an impressive LPL season.
He claimed nine wickets from ten matches while maintaining an economy rate of 6.30.
One of his best performances came in the Eliminator, where he recorded figures of 2 for 8 and was named Player of the Match.
Sahan also demonstrated his ability with the bat during the tournament, including an unbeaten 34 from only 15 balls.
Garuka Sanketh Adds Pace
Fast bowler Garuka Sanketh has also received his maiden call-up.
Although he did not pick up a wicket during his four LPL appearances in 2026, his pace attracted attention.
He later improved his wicket-taking returns during the Major Clubs T20 Tournament, collecting 11 wickets for Moors Sports Club.
His inclusion gives Sri Lanka another pace option alongside the more experienced Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando.
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Included After Strong Domestic Season
Legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has been selected after an impressive run in domestic cricket.
He finished as the leading wicket-taker in the Major Clubs T20 Tournament with 17 wickets.
Viyaskanth had narrowly missed selection for Sri Lanka’s T20I series against England, but his domestic performances have now earned him a place in the Asian Games squad.
Chamika Karunaratne Returns
Experienced allrounder Chamika Karunaratne has also been recalled.
Karunaratne scored 253 runs during the 2026 Lanka Premier League at a strike rate of 157.14 and played an important role in Galle Gallant’s title-winning campaign.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Sri Lanka additional flexibility in their playing XI.
Sri Lanka’s Spin and Pace Options
Sri Lanka have selected a varied bowling attack for the tournament.
The spin department includes:
- Tharindu Ratnayake
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
- Dushan Hemantha
- Wanuja Sahan
The pace attack will be supported by:
- Nuwan Thushara
- Binura Fernando
- Garuka Sanketh
This combination provides Sri Lanka with several options depending on pitch conditions and match situations.
Sahan Arachchige to Lead Sri Lanka
Sahan Arachchige will captain the side at the Asian Games.
This is not his first experience leading Sri Lanka at the event. He also captained the team during the previous Asian Games campaign.
Sri Lanka were eliminated after losing to Afghanistan in their only match during that edition, so the team will be looking for a stronger performance this time.
Sri Lanka Directly Qualify for Quarter-Finals
Sri Lanka have secured direct qualification for the quarter-final stage of the Asian Games men’s cricket competition.
Their first match is scheduled for September 29, 2026, in Nisshin.
With several senior players rested, the tournament offers an important opportunity for emerging domestic performers to make an impact on the international stage.
Sri Lanka Asian Games 2026 Squad
Sahan Arachchige (captain)
Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper)
Lasith Croospulle
Sineth Jayawardena
Nuwanidu Fernando
Sohan de Livera
Ashen Bandara
Chamika Karunaratne
Tharindu Ratnayake
Wanuja Sahan
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
Dushan Hemantha
Nuwan Thushara
Binura Fernando
Garuka Sanketh
Players to Watch at the Asian Games
Sri Lanka’s squad combines experienced internationals with players in strong domestic form.
Dickwella’s return will attract plenty of attention, while Jayawardena and de Livera arrive after outstanding batting performances in domestic T20 cricket.
Viyaskanth’s wicket-taking form could also prove valuable, while Arachchige’s leadership will be important as Sri Lanka aim to progress deeper into the tournament.
The Asian Games could therefore serve as both a competitive target and an opportunity for Sri Lanka to assess the next group of players pushing for regular T20I selection. See More Updates on Cricbet99
