Colombo, October 13, 2026: Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, with Kusal Mendis appointed captain and opening batter Pathum Nissanka included subject to medical clearance.
The series will begin on November 9 in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore for the second Test on November 17. Both matches will form part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 cycle.
Kusal Mendis to Lead Sri Lanka Against Pakistan
Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in Test cricket for the first time after replacing Dhananjaya de Silva, who stepped down from the leadership role earlier this month.
The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter already leads Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20I teams, making him the country’s captain across all three international formats.
Mendis brings considerable experience to the role, having represented Sri Lanka in 75 Test matches and scored 4,836 runs, including 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries.
His first challenge as Test captain will be an away series against Pakistan, where Sri Lanka will aim to improve their standing in the World Test Championship.
Pathum Nissanka Included Subject to Fitness
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been selected for the Pakistan tour, although his participation depends on medical clearance.
Nissanka missed Sri Lanka’s home Test series against India in August while recovering from a wrist injury.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that he will travel with the squad only if declared medically fit.
His availability could strengthen Sri Lanka’s top-order batting lineup ahead of the opening Test in Rawalpindi.
Dilshan Madushanka Returns to Sri Lanka Test Squad
Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has earned a recall to the Test squad, providing another pace-bowling option for the Pakistan tour.
Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara have also been included in the 15-member squad.
Bandara’s selection marks his maiden Test call-up, offering the player an opportunity to establish himself at the international level.
Meanwhile, opener Lahiru Udara and wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella have been left out of the squad.
Sri Lanka’s Full 15-Member Test Squad Against Pakistan
Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed the following players:
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Kusal Mendis (Captain)
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Pathum Nissanka (Subject to fitness)
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Pasindu Sooriyabandara
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Dinesh Chandimal
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Kamindu Mendis
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Sonal Dinusha
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Dhananjaya de Silva
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Anjala Bandara
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Keshara Nuwantha
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Prabath Jayasuriya
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Milan Rathnayaka
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Lahiru Kumara
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Asitha Fernando
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Dilshan Madushanka
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Eshan Malinga
The squad features a combination of experienced Test cricketers and emerging players, with Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis expected to play important roles in the batting department.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 Schedule
First Test
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
November 9–13, 2026
Second Test
Gaddafi Stadium
November 17–21, 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board has also scheduled a three-day match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6, allowing Sri Lanka to prepare for the Test series.
World Test Championship Points at Stake
The upcoming series is important for both teams as they attempt to improve their positions in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Sri Lanka currently occupy seventh position, while Pakistan are ninth.
Both sides will be looking to secure valuable points and build momentum in the ongoing championship cycle.
For Sri Lanka, the series also marks the beginning of a new era under Kusal Mendis, who will be aiming to deliver a positive result in his first assignment as Test captain.
Read more similar news in our sports category.
Pakistan Set to Host Sri Lanka for Two Tests
Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for two Test matches in November following a busy period of limited-overs international cricket.
The series will provide an important opportunity for both teams to assess their red-ball combinations and improve their Test performances.
With Kusal Mendis leading the visitors and several new players included, Sri Lanka will enter the contest with a refreshed squad and hopes of securing an away-series victory.
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