Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, dealing a fresh blow to Sri Lanka ahead of the tournament that also features England and begins on Sunday in Rawalpindi. The star opening batter has not received medical clearance to return to competitive action following a hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka's white-ball tour of England last month.

Why Nissanka Is Sidelined

Nissanka had been named in Sri Lanka's squad for the tri-series, but his inclusion was conditional on a fitness assessment. According to reports citing the Daily Mirror, his recovery has not progressed sufficiently to allow him to resume playing. He was similarly absent from Sri Lanka's Pakistan T20Is, with the squad travelling to Pakistan on the understanding that he would join if declared fit for the ODI leg — a scenario that has not materialised.

The Lankan opener has had a difficult injury-riddled year. A long-standing wrist problem resurfaced during Sri Lanka's tour of the West Indies in June, forcing him to undergo surgery in the United Kingdom. He missed the Lanka Premier League as a result. After returning to the side for the England series, he featured in all six white-ball matches — three T20Is and three ODIs — but re-aggravated himself with a hamstring complaint during the ODIs, playing through the third match with a slight injury before visibly struggling in the final fixture.

Lahiru Udara Named as Replacement

According to reports, Lahiru Udara has been confirmed as Nissanka's replacement for the tri-series. Sri Lanka's selectors have moved quickly to fill the opening slot ahead of the Sunday start in Rawalpindi.

Other Squad Changes — Asalanka Dropped, Fernando and Arachchige Return

Nissanka's absence is not the only notable development in Sri Lanka's squad reshuffle. Former captain Charith Asalanka, who served as vice-captain during the England white-ball series, has been dropped from the tri-series squad after returns of 1, 11, and 7 across the three ODIs against England. His lean patch with the bat ultimately cost him his place.

In his stead, Avishka Fernando has been recalled to the squad. All-rounder Sahan Arachchige has also been recalled, coming in as cover for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, who is unavailable due to the hamstring injury he also picked up on the England tour. Notably, both Hasaranga and Nissanka's hamstring complaints stem from the same tour, underlining a broader fitness concern for Sri Lanka's management heading into a demanding stretch of cricket.

Nissanka's Test Selection Also Under Fitness Cloud

Beyond the tri-series, Nissanka's fitness situation continues to cast a shadow over his near-term international calendar. He has been included in Sri Lanka's squad for the two-match Test series against Pakistan, earmarked for a red-ball return — but, as with the ODI tri-series, his participation remains subject to medical clearance. Sri Lanka will be closely monitoring his progress before confirming his availability for the Tests.

Sri Lanka's ODI Tri-Series Squad

The confirmed squad for the ODI tri-series is: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness — now replaced by Lahiru Udara), Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga. Sri Lanka will hope their remaining fit players can carry the batting load as they head into a competitive three-team tournament without one of their most dependable openers.