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Sri Lanka (Source: Twitter)
The Sri Lankan team has faced a blow just ahead of the commencement of the Asia Cup 2023. Notably, Sri Lanka is also a co-host of the tournament, alongside Pakistan. The tournament will kick off on the 30th of August with the tournament opener between the hosts, Pakistan and the new entrants Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan.
Meanwhile, the co-hosts Sri Lanka have encountered a big concern just ahead of the tournament as the star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to be ruled out of the 16th edition of the continental championship. He is doubtful of his appearance in the tournament due to the recently sustained hamstring injury.
Sri Lanka will start their run in the tournament with their campaign opener against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, in their backyard. Both teams will play this match on Thursday, the 31st of August next week.
Wanindu Hasaranga played a key role in Sri Lanka's Asia Cup 2022 win
Hasaranga was a key performer in the recently-concluded edition of Lanka Premier League 2023. He scored 279 runs with the bat and scalped 19 wickets with the ball in the tournament. He will be going through a fitness assessment in the coming few days. Following that, the management will decide to take action on Hasaranga’s inclusion on the grounds of his availability.
The star all-rounder was one of the key factors in the Asia Cup 2022 triumph of the Islanders after defeating Pakistan in the final of the tournament. His absence from the squad of the Asia Cup 2023 might hurt Sri Lanka’s preparations for the tournament.
Just a few days back, Hasaranga also shook everyone when he announced his retirement from Test cricket to focus more on limited-overs cricket, including the ODIs and the T20Is. He had played 4 Tests for Sri Lanka during his short career in the longest format of the game.
He also played a key role in Sri Lanka’s win in the ODI World Cup 2023 qualifiers, played in Zimbabwe. Dasun Shanaka’s men defeated the Netherlands in the final of the tournament.