Dasun Shanaka set to lead Sri Lanka in T20I Tri-series:Charith Asalanka, Asitha Fernando fall ill after dinner at Shaheen’s residence; PCB rescheduled triangular series

The Sri Lankan cricket team’s tour of Pakistan has taken another unexpected turn after two of their players fell ill on Sunday night. Captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando became unwell after attending a dinner hosted by Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. Both players are now returning home, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board confirmed on Monday. The board also announced that the two will not take part in the upcoming T20 tri-series starting November 18. Their sudden illness adds to a series of concerns that have already surrounded Sri Lanka’s ongoing Pakistan tour. Sri Lanka Cricket shared an update on X, writing: On Monday, Sri Lanka Cricket officially informed followers about the illness of the players through X. SL board said, “We are ensuring that both our players receive proper treatment and can be fit in time for upcoming tournaments.” Also read: Women’s Premier League 2026 set to begin from January 7: Mumbai to host league matches, final to be played in Baroda; mega-auction in Delhi on 27 November Asalanka, Fernando fell ill after dinner at Shaheen’s residence A day earlier, Shaheen Shah Afridi had invited both the Sri Lankan and Zimbabwean teams for dinner. It was after this gathering that Asalanka and Fernando reportedly fell sick. The Sri Lankan tour of Pakistan has already been controversial. Following a suicide attack in Islamabad, several Sri Lankan players had expressed security concerns and initially refused to play. The tour continued only after Pakistan’s Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Asim Munir personally assured full security. Shanaka takes charge; Pawan Rathnayake included With Charith Asalanka ruled out, the team management announced that Dasun Shanaka will lead Sri Lanka during the tri-series. Pawan Rathnayake has been added to replace Asitha Fernando in the T20 squad. PCB reschedules the Tri-Series The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently revised the tri-series schedule. Originally set to begin on November 17, the tournament will now start on November 18, with the second match moved to November 20. Also read: Kumar Sangakkara named RR head coach for IPL 2026: Franchise’s Director of Cricket gets dual role, steps in after Rahul Dravid’s short stint Earlier, Pakistan’s Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi had revealed, “When Sri Lankan cricketers refused to play after the attack, Field Marshal Asim Munir held talks with top Sri Lankan officials. After his security assurance, Sri Lanka Cricket Board agreed to play the series late at night.” Naqvi also met the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and players to offer further reassurance. Eight players had initially refused to play On November 12, eight Sri Lankan players declined to continue the tour due to safety fears after the Islamabad attack. Reports suggested the team had prepared to return home, but late-night negotiations convinced the board to allow only those who wished to return to go back, while replacements would be sent.