Is Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Joining Sri Lanka's T20I Squad for the Tri-Series?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Sri Lanka has welcomed Vijayakanth Viyaskanth into their T20I squad for the tri-series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe. This move comes as Wanindu Hasaranga continues to recover from injury. The series, crucial for World Cup preparations, will see intense competition at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Will Viyaskanth make an impact on the field?
Key Takeaways
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth joins Sri Lanka's T20I squad.
- The tri-series is crucial for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 preparations.
- Matches will be held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
- Wanindu Hasaranga's injury influenced the squad change.
- Zimbabwe replaces Afghanistan in the tri-series.
Rawalpindi, Nov 18 (NationPress) Sri Lanka has officially announced the inclusion of Vijayakanth Viyaskanth in their T20I roster ahead of the upcoming tri-series featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe, which kicks off on Tuesday.
Currently, Viyaskanth is in Doha, competing as a part of the Lanka 'A' team at the ongoing ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025. He is scheduled to travel from Qatar to Pakistan to join the senior national squad for the tri-series.
According to a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket, “The selectors have decided to include leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth in the National Men’s Squad for the T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan. He will make his way to Pakistan directly from Qatar, where he was participating in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Tournament. His inclusion comes as Wanindu Hasaranga is still recovering from hamstring tightness sustained during the ODI series.”
The T20I Tri-Nation Tournament, which includes hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will be a crucial preparatory event ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Each participating team will play four matches, with the top two advancing to the final scheduled for November 29. All seven T20I matches, including the final, will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Previously, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had released a revised schedule for the tri-nation series. The opening match, initially slated for November 17, is now set for November 18, featuring Pakistan against Zimbabwe.
This minor schedule adjustment occurred following requests from several players to return to Sri Lanka after the tragic suicide bombing incident in Islamabad.
Originally, Afghanistan was included as the third team in the tri-series alongside the hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, they withdrew following the tragic deaths of three local cricketers due to airstrikes in Paktika province, with Zimbabwe stepping in to fill the void.
Point of View
The inclusion of Vijayakanth Viyaskanth in the Sri Lanka T20I squad represents a strategic move as the team prepares for crucial international contests. His performance in the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be pivotal, especially with the looming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The cricketing community will be watching closely as Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its lineup amidst ongoing challenges.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vijayakanth Viyaskanth?
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is a talented leg-spinner from Sri Lanka, who has been added to the national T20I squad for the tri-series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
What is the purpose of the T20I tri-series?
The T20I tri-series serves as a preparatory event for participating teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, allowing them to assess their squad and strategies.
When does the tri-series begin?
The tri-series is set to commence on November 18, with Pakistan playing against Zimbabwe.
Why was Viyaskanth included in the squad?
He was included due to Wanindu Hasaranga's ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the ODI series.
What has changed in the schedule for the tri-series?
The opening match of the series was rescheduled from November 17 to November 18, following requests from players to return to Sri Lanka after a recent tragedy.
