Asian Games 2026: Athapaththu leads Sri Lanka's 15-member women's cricket squad
Synopsis
Sri Lanka have named a 15-member women's squad for the 2026 Asian Games cricket competition, with Chamari Athapaththu as captain. The squad drops notable Asia Cup contributors Vishmi Gunarathne and Nilakshika Silva while backing two teenagers. Sri Lanka face Malaysia in their opener on 18 September.
Key Takeaways
Sri Lanka Cricket announced a 15-member women's squad for the 2026 Asian Games on 16 September 2026 .
Chamari Athapaththu has been named captain of the side.
The squad follows Sri Lanka's runners-up finish at the recent Women's Asia Cup .
Notable omissions include Vishmi Gunarathne , Nilakshika Silva , and Chetana Vimukthi .
Teenagers Chamudi Praboda (17) and Rashmika Sewwandi (19) have earned selection.
Sri Lanka open their campaign against Malaysia on 18 September .
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, announced a 15-member women's squad for the cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, with veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu named captain. The announcement follows Sri Lanka's runners-up finish at the recent Women's Asia Cup, and the squad blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent.
Squad Composition and Key Inclusions
Athapaththu will lead a side that retains considerable experience, with Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Sugandika Kumari, and wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani all earning their places. The selectors have also backed two promising teenagers — 17-year-old Chamudi Praboda, who impressed during the Asia Cup, and 19-year-old Rashmika Sewwandi, whose most recent T20I appearance came against Pakistan in August 2026.
Notable Omissions
The squad carries a few conspicuous absences. Vishmi Gunarathne, who made important contributions at both the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the Women's Asia Cup, does not feature in the 15. Nilakshika Silva, another player who delivered match-winning performances across both tournaments, has also been left out. Chetana Vimukthi, who had returned to the squad for the Asia Cup, is a further notable absentee — though no official reasons have been cited for any of the omissions.
Opening Fixture and Tournament Context
Sri Lanka are scheduled to open their 2026 Asian Games campaign against Malaysia on 18 September. The continental competition offers the side an opportunity to build on the momentum generated during the Asia Cup, where they finished as runners-up. Cricket at the Asian Games is a high-stakes platform, with results carrying prestige beyond the bilateral circuit.
Full Squad
Sri Lanka's 15-member women's squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Anushka Sanjeewani, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Nimasha Meepage, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmika Sewwandi, Chamudi Praboda, Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi.
Sri Lanka will be looking to convert their Asia Cup form into a podium finish at the Games, with the squad's depth — and the selection choices made — set to be tested from the very first match.
Point of View
Making their omission difficult to explain on form alone. Sri Lanka's Asia Cup runners-up finish generated real momentum, but squad continuity matters at multi-sport Games where teams have little time to settle. Backing teenagers Praboda and Sewwandi signals a transition in motion — the question is whether the Asian Games is the right stage for that experiment.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining Sri Lanka's women's team at the 2026 Asian Games?
Veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu has been named captain of Sri Lanka's 15-member women's squad for the cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games. She is one of the most experienced players in the side.
When does Sri Lanka play their first match at the 2026 Asian Games?
Sri Lanka are scheduled to open their 2026 Asian Games cricket campaign against Malaysia on 18 September 2026.
Why were Vishmi Gunarathne and Nilakshika Silva left out of the squad?
No official reasons have been provided by Sri Lanka Cricket for the omissions of Vishmi Gunarathne and Nilakshika Silva. Both players made important contributions at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the Women's Asia Cup, making their exclusion a notable selection call.
Which young players have been included in Sri Lanka's Asian Games squad?
Selectors have backed two teenagers — 17-year-old Chamudi Praboda, who impressed during the Asia Cup, and 19-year-old Rashmika Sewwandi, whose most recent T20I was against Pakistan in August 2026.
What was Sri Lanka's recent form ahead of the 2026 Asian Games?
Sri Lanka finished as runners-up at the Women's Asia Cup immediately before the Asian Games squad announcement. The selectors have retained much of that core group, though with a few changes, as the team looks to carry that momentum into the continental multi-sport event.
