Hasaranga out of T20 World Cup due to injury

Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 owing to a hamstring injury.

Hasaranga, who played a key role in the co-hosts registering a win in their tournament opener against Ireland, had sustained the injury during the game on Sunday in Colombo.

In his stead, Sri Lanka have included Dushan Hemantha into their squad, approved by the Event Technical Committee (ETC) for the marquee tournament.

Hasaranga had snapped three wickets against Ireland to inspire Sri Lanka’s win, duly complemented by Maheesh Theekshana, who also clinched a three-wicket haul.

His replacement, Hemantha has featured in three T20Is for Sri Lanka since making his debut against Zimbabwe last year.

Sri Lanka will next face Oman on Thursday, February 12, eager to press for a Super Eight spot.

The ETC has also approved a replacement for New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell, who picked up a calf injury during warm-ups against Afghanistan on 8 Feb in Chennai.

New Zealand are yet to name a replacement.