Defending champions Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow ahead of Asia Cup 2023 as a few of their first-team players are either ruled out or likely to miss an initial few games, with star seamer Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga among them. Besides these two, top-order batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando could also remain out of contention for an undisclosed period.

The right-arm seamer Chameera picked up a shoulder injury during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL). The pace spearhead last played an ODI on June 7 against Afghanistan, picking four for 63. He also missed the World Cup Qualifiers after getting injured during the warm-ups of the tournament. As per the latest reports, Chameera could miss the entire Asia Cup 2023, starting August 30.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-at-no-4-at-world-cup-2023-can-solve-a-lot-of-problems-for-india-feels-ab-de-villiers-629390">Virat Kohli at no. 4 at World Cup 2023 can solve a lot of problems for India, feels AB&nbsp;de Villiers</a>

Wanindu Hasaranga, who starred with both bat and ball during the LPL, sustained a thigh strain&nbsp;during the tournament and is sure to sit out of Sri Lanka’s group-stage matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. If Sri Lanka manages to qualify for the next round, Hasaranga’s participation will depend on whether he’s willing to play without risk of further injury.

Sri Lanka is keen on having both star bowlers fit for the World Cup, which begins on October 5 in India.

Meanwhile, besides these two, both batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now under observation. Their inclusion in the side for the Asia Cup 2023 depends on their recovery.

Both Perera and Fernando are reported to have picked up the virus during the late stage of the tournament, and unless they return with negative results, both would be out of contention for selection.

While Fernando has not played an ODI since January this year, majorly due to injuries, left-handed Perera last featured for Sri Lanka in a One-Day game in 2021.

<h2>Dark horse Sri Lanka eye repeating heroics</h2>

Having reigned supreme the last time around in 2022, beating Pakistan in the final, multi-time Asia Cup winner Sri Lanka will aim to repeat heroics this time. Drawn in Group B alongside Afghanistan and Bangladesh, two sides who pose a threat on a given day, Sri Lanka will have a task at hand to break into the next round and go for the win.

Meanwhile, the 1996 World Cup winners will open their CWC campaign against South Africa on October 7, while their clash against hosts India is slated for November 2.

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Defending champions Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow ahead of Asia Cup 2023 as a few of their first-team players are either ruled out or likely to miss an initial few games, with star seamer Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga among them.

Defending champions Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow ahead of Asia Cup 2023 as a few of their first-team players are either ruled out or likely to miss an initial few games, with star seamer Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga among them. Besides these two, top-order batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando could also remain out of contention for an undisclosed period. The right-arm seamer Chameera picked up a shoulder injury during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL). The pace spearhead last played an ODI on June 7 against Afghanistan, picking four for 63. He also missed the World Cup Qualifiers after getting injured during the warm-ups of the tournament. As per the latest reports, Chameera could miss the entire Asia Cup 2023, starting August 30. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli at no. 4 at World Cup 2023 can solve a lot of problems for India, feels AB de Villiers Wanindu Hasaranga, who starred with both bat and ball during the LPL, sustained a thigh strain during the tournament and is sure to sit out of Sri Lanka’s group-stage matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. If Sri Lanka manages to qualify for the next round, Hasaranga’s participation will depend on whether he’s willing to play without risk of further injury. Sri Lanka is keen on having both star bowlers fit for the World Cup, which begins on October 5 in India. Meanwhile, besides these two, both batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now under observation. Their inclusion in the side for the Asia Cup 2023 depends on their recovery. Both Perera and Fernando are reported to have picked up the virus during the late stage of the tournament, and unless they return with negative results, both would be out of contention for selection. While Fernando has not played an ODI since January this year, majorly due to injuries, left-handed Perera last featured for Sri Lanka in a One-Day game in 2021. Dark horse Sri Lanka eye repeating heroics Having reigned supreme the last time around in 2022, beating Pakistan in the final, multi-time Asia Cup winner Sri Lanka will aim to repeat heroics this time. Drawn in Group B alongside Afghanistan and Bangladesh, two sides who pose a threat on a given day, Sri Lanka will have a task at hand to break into the next round and go for the win. Meanwhile, the 1996 World Cup winners will open their CWC campaign against South Africa on October 7, while their clash against hosts India is slated for November 2. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Big blow to Sri Lanka ahead of Asia Cup as seamer Chameera likely ruled out, other stars to miss initial games

Sri Lanka Cricket's selection committee on Monday announced the squad for the upcoming T20I series against India.

The three-match T20I series will kick start on February 24 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Thushara, and Ramesh Mendis will be missing the series due to the injuries sustained in the Australian tour.

Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a new schedule for India's upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.

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The tour was supposed to start with the two-match Test, but now will begin with T20Is, with the first match being played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on February 24.

The second and third T20Is will take place in Dharamsala on February 26 and 27. Following the T20I series, the teams will play two Tests, which form a part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Mohali will host the first Test from March 4 to 8, while the second Test will be played in Bengaluru from March 12 to 16.

The first Test will be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th Test match, while the second Test will be a day/night affair.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-creates-new-captaincy-record-as-india-complete-3-0-whitewash-aganst-west-indies-in-t20is-454965">Rohit Sharma creates new captaincy record as India complete 3-0 whitewash aganst West Indies in T20Is</a>

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ashian Daniel (subject to ministerial approval).

Sri Lanka Cricket's selection committee on Monday announced the squad for the upcoming T20I series against India. The three-match T20I series will kick start on February 24 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Sri Lanka Cricket's selection committee on Monday announced the squad for the upcoming T20I series against India. The three-match T20I series will kick start on February 24 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Thushara, and Ramesh Mendis will be missing the series due to the injuries sustained in the Australian tour. Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a new schedule for India's upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. ALSO READ: India Pacer Deepak Chahar sustains hamstring injury, doubtful for series against Sri Lanka The tour was supposed to start with the two-match Test, but now will begin with T20Is, with the first match being played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on February 24. The second and third T20Is will take place in Dharamsala on February 26 and 27. Following the T20I series, the teams will play two Tests, which form a part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Mohali will host the first Test from March 4 to 8, while the second Test will be played in Bengaluru from March 12 to 16. The first Test will be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th Test match, while the second Test will be a day/night affair. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma creates new captaincy record as India complete 3-0 whitewash aganst West Indies in T20Is Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ashian Daniel (subject to ministerial approval).

Avishka Fernando, Ramesh Mendis ruled out as Sri Lanka announce squad for T20I series against India

Cricket World Cup 2019: Young guns whose time will surely come

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Big blow to Sri Lanka ahead of Asia Cup as seamer Chameera likely ruled out, other stars to miss initial games

Avishka Fernando, Ramesh Mendis ruled out as Sri Lanka announce squad for T20I series against India

Cricket World Cup 2019: Young guns whose time will surely come