Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out Of Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026, Sri Lanka Name Lahiru Udara As Replacement

In a significant blow to Sri Lanka's preparations for the crucial ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, top-order batter Pathum Nissanka has been sidelined due to a persistent left hamstring injury. The dashing opener, who has been battling fitness issues, will miss the entire tournament, prompting the national selectors to call up Lahiru Udara as his replacement. Babar Azam Birthday Special: Celebrating Pakistan Cricket Maestro's Career As Test Captain Turns 32.

Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out, Lahiru Udana Named Replacement

Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026

Pathum Nissanka will not join Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series, involving Pakistan and England, as he has yet to receive medical clearance to return to play.

Nissanka sustained a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s recently concluded tour of England.

Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement in the ODI squad.

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 15, 2026

The announcement, made on Thursday, October 15, 2026, confirms earlier reports regarding Nissanka's uncertain availability. The injury originated during Sri Lanka's recent white-ball tour of England, where he reportedly aggravated the hamstring despite playing through discomfort in the latter stages of the ODI leg. This latest setback follows a wrist surgery in June 2026 that saw him miss the Lanka Premier League, highlighting a challenging year for the talented right-hander.

Lahiru Udara Set for ODI Debut

The call-up marks a significant opportunity for the 32-year-old Lahiru Udara, who is poised to make his One-Day International debut for Sri Lanka. While Udara is yet to feature in an ODI, he has showcased impressive form in other formats. He recently amassed 97 runs in three T20Is against Pakistan, including a blistering 91 in the first match. His performance in the Lanka Premier League was also stellar, where he piled up 434 runs in nine innings. Udara also boasts a Test century, scoring a career-best 188 against the West Indies in a recent red-ball appearance. His inclusion offers a fresh dynamic to the Sri Lankan batting line-up, which will be led by captain Kusal Mendis.

Tri-Series Schedule and Venues

The Tri-Nation ODI Series, featuring hosts Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to run from October 18 to October 31, 2026. The tournament will be played across two venues in Pakistan: the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. England Announce Squad for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026; Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer Sidelined as Adil Rashid, Sam Curran Return.

Here is the full schedule for the series (all times Pakistan Standard Time):

Nissanka’s absence is undoubtedly a blow for Sri Lanka, but the inclusion of the in-form Lahiru Udara provides a new dimension to their squad as they aim to make a strong statement in the lead-up to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2026 05:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).