![Pavan Rathnayake appointed as captain [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794406362990_PavanRathnayake.jpg?type=hq)
Pavan Rathnayake appointed as captain [Source: AFP]
Sri Lanka Cricket have announced a 15-member Sri Lanka A squad for the upcoming ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, with Pavan Rathnayake appointed as captain.
The tournament will be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29 and will feature eight teams competing in the 50-over format. Sri Lanka have been placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China, with the team aiming to make a strong impression under a relatively new leader.
Pavan Rathnayake To Lead Sri Lanka A In Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026
The appointment marks an important step in Pavan Rathnayake's career, as the 24-year-old takes charge of Sri Lanka A in his first major senior-level representative captaincy assignment.
While he has previously led teams during his school and age-group cricket days, this tournament will provide his first significant opportunity to demonstrate his leadership at the senior representative level.
The squad includes several experienced campaigners who can support the new captain during the tournament. Nishan Madushka, Janith Liyanage, Nipun Dhananjaya and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth bring senior international experience, giving Sri Lanka a balanced group for the challenge in Qatar.
Sri Lanka A squad for Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026: Pavan Rathnayake (C), Lasith Croospulle, Sineth Jayawardena, Nishan Madushka, Nipun Dhananjaya, Chamika Heenatigala, Janith Liyanage, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, Ravindu Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Wanuja Sahan, Dulaj Samuditha, Duvindu Ranatunga, Lahiru Samarakoon and Garuka Sanketh.
Sri Lanka A will begin their campaign against Afghanistan A on November 19 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. The match is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM local time.
What Is Sri Lanka’s History In Rising Stars Asia Cup?
Sri Lanka have a successful history in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, having won the Under-23 editions in 2017 and 2018. Their first title came in Bangladesh in 2017, when they defeated Pakistan Shaheens by five wickets in the final.
They followed it up with another championship in 2018, beating India U23 by three runs in a closely contested final in Colombo.
Their most recent appearance in the final came in the 2024 T20 edition, when Sri Lanka A finished as runners-up after losing to Afghanistan A by seven wickets. Sri Lanka A will now look to build on that history in the 2026 edition, which returns to the 50-over format.
