Image Source: Cricket.com
[Saba Sports News] After a challenging year, Sri Lanka is setting sights on a stronger 2024, beginning with a home series against Zimbabwe that includes three ODIs and three T20Is. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has unveiled the final ODI squad, led by captain Kusal Mendis.
The team blends experienced players with emerging talents such as Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Key players like Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, and bowlers Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, and Pramod Madushan round out the squad. Spinners Akila Dhananjaya and potentially Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Maheesh Theekshana, will lead the spin attack. Newcomers Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwanindu Fernando, and Janith Liyanage add depth to the team.
SLC is initiating reforms in response to a suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for political interference. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has acted to address governance issues, leading to a cabinet sub-committee’s recommendations for change. This follows the ICC’s suspension of SLC due to actions by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, which breached ICC regulations. The Under-19 World Cup was consequently moved to South Africa.
Wickremesinghe has replaced Ranasinghe and his successor, reinstating the elected administration and signaling a draft for a new sports law to replace the outdated 1973 statute.
These changes aim to prevent external influence and strengthen SLC’s governance. The cabinet committee, led by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, is reviewing the cricket board’s structure to propose comprehensive reforms.
Sri Lanka’s Final ODI Squad for Zimbabwe Series:
The squad features Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (Captain), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwanindu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dhananjaya, and Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness).