Asia Cup 2023 runners-up Sri Lanka have retained the services of skipper Dasun Shanaka for the upcoming ODI World Cup despite the calls from local media and fans to axe the all-rounder. Just weeks ago, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 50 runs in the final of the Asia Cup by India but despite that, the Sri Lanka Cricket board have backed Shanaka to prove his doubters wrong at the marquee event. (More Cricket News | ICC ODI World Cup 2023)
Lead spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been given all clear to play the World Cup after missing the final of the Asia Cup due to a Grade 3 injury.
The 1996 champions have also included Dilshan Madhushanka and Lahiru Kumara who had also missed the Asia Cup tournament due to injury
However, spinner Wanindu Hasaranga failed to make the squad as he is still recovering from injury. SLC though stated that the spinner could included in the WC squad at some point if he fully recovers.
Sri Lanka won the 1996 title and has reached the finals twice, in 2007 and 2011.
Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
