In a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup preparations, seamer Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the upcoming tournament. The Event Technical Committee has approved Pramod Madushan as his replacement, bringing an experienced head back into the fold just days before the first ball is bowled in Colombo.
The Injury: A Setback for the Rising Star
The unfortunate incident occurred during the second T20I of the recent home series against England. Malinga, who had been riding a wave of momentum following a breakout season in the 2025 IPL, suffered a dislocated shoulder in a freak accident.
Immediately after delivering the first ball following a brief rain interval, Malinga was seen clutching his non-bowling shoulder in visible pain. The impact sent him to the ground during his follow-through, forcing him to leave the field and subsequently miss the third T20I. While the medical team hoped for a quick recovery, the severity of the dislocation made his participation in a high-intensity World Cup impossible.
Since his international debut in November last year, Malinga had quickly climbed the pecking order of Sri Lanka’s pace attack. Despite an economy rate of 9.41, his ability to take wickets at crucial junctures made him a favorite for the final squad. His absence leaves a void in the team’s youthful energy, but it opens the door for a seasoned campaigner to step back into the limelight.
Madushan Steps Up: Stats and Expectations
Pramod Madushan returns to the national setup at a critical moment. While he hasn’t featured in a T20I since 2023, his career statistics suggest he might actually provide more stability to the bowling unit than the man he is replacing.
With 12 wickets in his eight T20I appearances, Madushan boasts a superior economy rate of 8.63 compared to Malinga’s 9.41. Having debuted in 2022, he is no stranger to the pressures of international cricket. His task will be to hit the ground running and adapt quickly to the conditions in Colombo, where Sri Lanka will enjoy significant home support.
Sri Lanka’s Road to the Super Eights
The co-hosts begin their campaign tomorrow, February 8, facing off against Ireland in Colombo. Placed in Group B, the path to the Super Eights won’t be easy. Following the opener, Sri Lanka will navigate matches against:
- Oman
- Australia (The group favorites)
- Zimbabwe
The loss of Malinga is tough, but with Madushan’s discipline and the home-ground advantage, the Lions remain strong contenders to advance. All eyes will be on the Premadasa Stadium as the tournament kicks off.
