Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on Thursday, October 15, that opening batsman Pathum Nissanka will miss the upcoming tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan. The decision comes after the player failed to secure the necessary medical clearance to resume competitive play. Nissanka had initially been included in the squad announced on October 4, provided he met strict fitness requirements following a hamstring injury sustained during the tour of England. With the condition that he would travel with the team only if declared medically fit, nissanka was named in the squad announced on October 4.
Stepping into the squad as his replacement is Lahiru Udara. While Udara is currently waiting to make his ODI debut, he brings international experience with five Test appearances and seven T20Is under his belt. His recent form includes a standout 91-run performance against Pakistan in the first T20I earlier this month, marking his first international half-century in the format. He also holds a notable Test century, having scored 188 runs against the West Indies in July 2026.
Nissanka’s fitness struggles have been persistent; the injury previously kept him out of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan as well. Looking ahead, he remains named in the 15-member team for the two-Test series against Pakistan, which is scheduled to commence on November 9, though his participation will again depend on his recovery progress.
The tri-nation ODI tournament, which features Sri Lanka and England, is slated to start on October 18 and will conclude with the final match on October 31.
