Sri Lanka have turned to right-arm seamer Pramod Madushan after Eshan Malinga’s dislocated shoulder ruled him out of the men’s T20 World Cup, which starts in Colombo on 8 February.
Team physio Ajantha Wattegama confirmed in a media note that Malinga “will require several weeks of rehabilitation”, ending any hope of a quick return. The injury occurred when the 24-year-old delivered the first ball after a rain break in the second T20I against England; he immediately clutched his non-bowling shoulder and took no further part in the series.
Malinga’s absence is a blow. Promoted up the seam-bowling order after a tidy 2025 IPL, he had taken eight wickets in as many internationals at an economy of 9.41. Head coach Chris Silverwood kept it simple: “It’s tough on the lad, but the tournament doesn’t wait.”
Madushan, 30, last played T20I cricket in 2023. His eight caps have produced 12 wickets at 8.63 runs per over—numbers the selectors believe translate well to powerplay and death overs alike. “Pramod has stayed match-fit with the High-Performance squad,” selection chief Upul Tharanga said. “He knows the demands and won’t need a bedding-in period.”
Sri Lanka sit in Group B with Ireland, Oman, Australia and Zimbabwe; only two sides progress to the Super Eights. Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga sounded measured: “We would have loved Malinga’s extra pace, but Madushan offers control. We move on.”
Squad depth will now be tested, yet the pathway remains clear: win three matches and the conversation changes.
