Sri Lanka Cricket Team suffered a double injury blow ahead of the T20I series against England as captain Kusal Mendis and pace bowler Binura Fernando were ruled out of the fixtures after being unable to recover from injuries during the 2026 Lanka Premier League.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued the statement more than a day after the pair were included in the 16-player squad. While Mendis remains the skipper of Sri Lanka in limited-overs and T20I formats for now, Charith Asalanka will lead the team in the three-match T20I series against England.

Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando Ruled Out With Injuries From Sri Lanka Squad

Mendis has been out since July 19 with a right hamstring injury, while Binura has been ruled out since August 5 with a back injury.

Mendis has not been ruled out of the ODI match. Should the captain be unavailable for the 50-over match, Asalanka can lead again as he is the vice-captain.

Pavan Rathnayake, a 24-year-old opener, has been named in the T20I squad as Mendis's replacement. On the other hand, fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has been called up to replace Binura in the touring party.

Asalanka is back in the leadership group once again.

The batsman was dropped as the ODI captain three months ago and was replaced in the T20I captaincy six months ago. He is back to the captaincy of the shortest format once again after being ruled out due to an injury.

Asalanka last played a T20I match for Sri Lanka in February. He is currently playing for St. Lucia Kings in the 2026 Caribbean Premier League, but he has not had a successful run so far.

The left-hander has only scored 93 runs at a strike rate of 124 in six innings.

Asalanka will have to step in again for Mendis and provide stability to the Sri Lankan batting line-up at the top of the order.

The T20I matches are set to commence on September 15 in Southampton, followed by a match in Cardiff on September 17 and Manchester on September 19.

They will then move on to the 50-over matches. The three-match ODI series is scheduled to begin on September 22 in Chester-le-Street, with the second match to be held in Leeds on September 24. The final match of the series will be held on September 27 at The Oval.

Sri Lanka will be hoping that Mendis will be fit enough to play in the ODI match, depending on his recovery.

Sri Lanka T20I squad for the tour of England

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Lahiru Udara (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka.