Sri Lanka Unveil T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

Sri Lanka Drop T20 World Cup 2026 Squad [Source: AFP]

Just weeks ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka Women unveiled a full-strength squad. Veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu is once again entrusted with captaincy duties. 

Athapaththu’s selection as captain carries extra significance, as the experienced opener has now featured in all nine previous editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup. 

Sri Lanka makes bold calls in T20 World Cup 2026 squad

The squad features a balanced mix of experienced names and emerging young talent, including Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunarathne and Kaveesha Dilhari. 

Not only that, but the selectors have also backed several younger players such as Kaushini Nuthyangana, Shashini Gimhani and Mithali Ayodhya to boost bench strength and also test the country’s upcoming talent.

Before beginning their T20 World Cup campaign, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two warm-up matches. They will face Pakistan Women on June 6 before taking on Netherlands Women on June 9 in Derby.

Sri Lanka Women squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya

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Sri Lanka to begin T20 World Cup vs England

Interestingly, Sri Lanka Women are placed in a tough Group B alongside strong teams such as England, New Zealand, and the West Indies, thus making qualification a major challenge.

Sri Lanka will begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against hosts England at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on June 12.

Facing the hosts in the opening match will be a massive test for Athapaththu and her team, especially in conditions that are expected to assist seam bowlers.

Regardless, despite being considered underdogs in a difficult group, Sri Lanka Women will hope to spring a few surprises during the tournament.

ICC to field all-woman umpiring panel for Women’s T20 World Cup

Meanwhile, the ICC unveiled an all-female panel of match officials for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup 2026. This is the second time in a row that the ICC have given opportunities to women in such a big ICC tournament. 

The marquee event, scheduled to begin on June 12 in Birmingham, will feature 14 umpires and four match referees overseeing 33 matches across England and Wales. 

Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste and Shathira Jakir Jesy, who did well in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, have been promoted to the T20 World Cup 2026.

Apart from that, experienced Australian umpire Claire Polosak will officiate in her sixth Women’s T20 World Cup, while Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton are set to complete their fifth Women’s T20 World Cups.

Full ICC International Panel of Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Anna Harris, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Candace La Borde, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Suzanne Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams and Gayathri Venugopalan.

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