Sahan Arachchige will lead Sri Lanka as the island nation targets a return to the Asian Games cricket podium after missing out in 2023.
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member men’s squad for the Asian Games 2026, with Sahan Arachchige handed the captaincy for the T20I competition in Japan.
Niroshan Dickwella has retained his place as wicketkeeper, while the squad features a combination of experienced campaigners and players looking to establish themselves at international level.
The Sri Lankan team is scheduled to depart for Japan on September 24. The 10-team cricket tournament will also take place from September 24 to October 3, with matches scheduled at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture.
The selection includes several familiar names, with Chamika Karunaratne and Nuwan Thushara providing all-round and pace options. Ashen Bandara and Sohan de Livera strengthen the batting department, while leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth gives the bowling attack an additional specialist spin option.
The squad is notably different from the team that recently toured England for a three-match T20I series. Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 series defeat, with England completing the clean sweep through an eight-wicket victory at Old Trafford on September 19.
Only Nuwan Thushara and Tharindu Ratnayake have been selected for both assignments. Charith Asalanka captained Sri Lanka in England after originally appointed skipper Kusal Mendis was ruled out with injury. Binura Fernando was also unavailable for that series because of injury but has now returned to the squad for the Asian Games.
Sri Lanka have a notable history in Asian Games cricket. The team won bronze at the 2010 Games in Guangzhou before reaching the top of the podium in Incheon in 2014. They defeated Afghanistan in the final to secure the gold medal.
However, Sri Lanka were unable to win a medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. India claimed gold, Afghanistan finished with silver and Bangladesh took bronze.
With the 2026 competition approaching, Sri Lanka will look to rebuild their Asian Games campaign and challenge for a place on the podium. The tournament provides the squad with an opportunity to compete against several Asian cricketing nations in the shortest international format.