Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (L) celebrates with teammate Kusal Mendis (2L) after taking the wicket of Ireland's Curtis Campher during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 8, 2026. | AFO
Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following a hamstring injury sustained in his team’s opening match against Ireland, dealing a major blow to the co-hosts’ title hopes.
Hasaranga, one of the world’s most effective T20 bowlers and a key batter, suffered a tear in his left hamstring during Sri Lanka’s win over Ireland in Colombo. Despite finishing his full spell in that game — taking three crucial wickets scans confirmed the injury would sideline him for the rest of the tournament, the ICC’s Event Technical Committee said.
The 28-year-old leg-spinner had been central to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and was expected to play a major role throughout the World Cup, particularly given the spin-friendly conditions in home venues. His absence leaves a significant gap in the team.
To fill the void, Sri Lanka has named spin-bowling all-rounder Dushan Hemantha as Hasaranga’s replacement in the squad, a change approved by the tournament’s technical committee ahead of Thursday’s match against Oman in Pallekele. Hemantha has limited international experience but will be called upon to shoulder increased responsibility.
Hasaranga’s injury compounds Sri Lanka’s challenges in the early stages of the tournament, testing the depth of their bowling attack as they seek to secure a Super Eight spot.
