Sri Lanka have drafted in seamer Pramod Madushan for the men’s T20 World Cup after Eshan Malinga was forced out with a shoulder injury with the ICC approving the late change days before the tournament begins.
The ICC said its Event Technical Committee had signed off on Madushan’s inclusion, a step required for any replacement once squads are locked in.
Madushan is a medium fast bowler who has played 13 one day internationals and eight T20 internationals for Sri Lanka.
Malinga injured his shoulder during the recent T20 series against England with the problem flaring as he bowled early in the match on February 1.
Sri Lanka Cricket said at the time he would undergo scans to assess the damage and the injury has now ended his World Cup campaign.
The setback lands on Sri Lanka’s doorstep as the co hosts prepare to open their tournament at home.
Sri Lanka are in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe and are set to play Ireland in Colombo on February 8.
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Madushan returns to the international set up after spending time on the fringes and the ICC noted he comes into the squad with 12 wickets from his eight T20 appearances.
His call up gives Sri Lanka another pace option alongside Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana among the key spin threats.
Led by Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka will look to steady their plans quickly after the disruption and build momentum through the group stage in a tournament that begins on February 7 across Sri Lanka and India.
