The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan.
According to reliable sources cited by ZiraDaily, former captain Dasun Shanaka has been excluded from the squad, likely to be rested for the series.
The inclusion of all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne, who missed the recent Zimbabwe series, bolsters both the batting and bowling line-up.
Aside from Shanaka's omission and Karunaratne's return, there are not expected to be many major changes in the ODI squad compared to the lineup for the Zimbabwe series.
The ODI series is slated to commence on February 9th in Pallekele, providing an opportunity for the Sri Lankan team to showcase its prowess against Afghanistan. Shanaka, who has struggled with form over the past year, was stripped of the captaincy following Sri Lanka's disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup, where they failed to secure a top-eight finish.
Karunaratne has been selected to fill Shanaka's absence, having previously replaced him in Sri Lanka's World Cup squad last year. However, leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay will miss the Afghanistan series due to a finger injury, with Wanindu Hasaranga expected to step in as his replacement in the playing XI.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has submitted the ODI squad to Sports Minister Harin Fernando for approval, ensuring compliance with regulatory procedures. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled their 15-member squad for the series, with premier spinner Rashid Khan remaining sidelined due to ongoing recovery from back surgery. Young leg-spinner Qais Ahmad has been included in the squad to fill the gap left by Khan's absence.
