Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the Tri-Nation ODI series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka after failing to obtain medical clearance for a left hamstring injury. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the development on October 15 2026, three days before the tournament is scheduled to begin in Pakistan.
The injury was sustained during Sri Lanka's recently concluded tour of England. Medical staff assessed Nissanka ahead of the series and determined that the hamstring had not recovered sufficiently to allow him to return to competitive cricket at this stage.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced that Lahiru Udara has been named as Nissanka's replacement in the ODI squad for the tournament. Sri Lanka open their campaign against the hosts on October 18 2026.
What does Nissanka's absence mean for Sri Lanka's batting order?
Nissanka is an established top-order batter in Sri Lanka's ODI setup and his absence removes a senior presence from the top of the lineup for the duration of the series. His unavailability means the team management will need to reorganise their batting combination ahead of the opening fixture against Pakistan.
Udara's inclusion provides the selectors with a replacement option in the same general batting area. However, the extent to which Udara features in the playing eleven across the three-team series will be determined by the team management ahead of each match. Sri Lanka have limited preparation time before competitive action begins on October 18, with the squad needing to settle quickly into their roles in an unfamiliar combination.
The Tri-Nation series also features England, meaning Sri Lanka will face two strong ODI sides across the tournament. Nissanka's absence will be felt across multiple fixtures rather than a single game, making Udara's integration into the squad an important consideration for the coaching staff.
What is the next confirmed step regarding Nissanka's availability?
Sri Lanka Cricket's announcement on October 15 did not include a timeline for Nissanka's recovery. His return to the squad remains contingent on further medical assessment and clearance from the team's medical staff, neither of which has been scheduled publicly at this point.
No additional replacement beyond Udara has been announced, and Sri Lanka Cricket has not indicated whether Nissanka could be considered for any later stage of the series should his condition improve. Until formal clearance is granted following a medical review, Nissanka will remain unavailable for selection in the ongoing tournament.
