Sri Lanka have officially announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.
Left-handed batter Charith Asalanka has been handed the captaincy, while the squad sees the return of several key players including Wanindu Hasaranga and pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana.
Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025 (Official)
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Charith Asalanka (C) | Captain, Batter |
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter |
| Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Kusal Perera | Batter |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | Batter |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-Rounder |
| Kamil Mishara | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Dasun Shanaka | All-Rounder |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-Rounder (Spin) |
| Dunith Wellalage | Left-arm Spinner |
| Chamika Karunaratne | All-Rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Spin Bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Fast Bowler |
| Binura Fernando | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| Nuwan Thushara | Fast Bowler |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
Key Players to Watch
- Charith Asalanka (Captain): Newly appointed skipper, brings calmness and batting stability in the middle order.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s premier all-rounder and proven match-winner in UAE conditions.
- Matheesha Pathirana: Known as “Baby Malinga,” his yorkers and pace will be vital in death overs.
- Kusal Mendis & Kusal Perera: Experience at the top order will be crucial to provide strong starts.
Squad Analysis: Balance of Power
This squad reflects a blend of experience and youth, something Sri Lanka has built on since their 2022 Asia Cup triumph.
- Strengths:
- Versatile spin attack with Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Wellalage.
- Strong all-rounder depth (Shanaka, Hasaranga, Karunaratne).
- A promising pace attack led by Pathirana and Chameera.
- Weaknesses:
- Fitness concerns, especially for Chameera and Pathirana who’ve faced injuries in recent months.
- Top-order pressure – consistency from Nissanka and Mendis will be key.
Sri Lanka’s Group‑Stage Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 13 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | UAE |
| September 15 | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong | UAE |
| September 18 | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka | UAE |
Can Sri Lanka Defend Their Crown?
After stunning the cricketing world with their Asia Cup 2022 victory, Sri Lanka enter the 2025 edition not as underdogs, but as defending champions under pressure. With Asalanka’s fresh leadership, Hasaranga’s match-winning magic, and Pathirana’s pace, they have all the tools needed to go deep in the tournament.
The big question remains: Can they handle the pressure of defending their title against heavyweights like India and Pakistan?
FAQs – Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025
1. Who is the captain of Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup 2025?
Charith Asalanka has been appointed as the captain of the Sri Lanka team for the Asia Cup 2025.
2. How many players are included in Sri Lanka’s official Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Sri Lanka Cricket announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE.
3. Which key players are part of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Some of the key names include Charith Asalanka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana.
4. Can Sri Lanka defend their Asia Cup title in 2025?
Sri Lanka, the 2022 champions, have the talent and balance to challenge again, but their success will depend on consistency from the top order and fitness of their fast bowlers.
