Defending Champions Sri Lanka’s title defence has dealt with a major blow as a few cricketers in the Sri Lankan camp have tested COVID-19 positive ahead of the marquee event on their home soil. Sri Lankan batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando have tested positive for COVID-19, as they could have potentially made it into the Sri Lankan squad for the continental event.
The six-nation Asia Cup, which will be played in a 50-over format will be played from August 3oth to September 17th. Sri Lanka is grouped alongside Bangladesh and Afghanistan, as the top two in the group stage will make it into the group 4 stage.
The Sri Lanka team will be the defending champions of the Asia Cup and will look to retain their trophy this year on their home soil. Dasun Shanaka-led side surprised everyone in the last edition of the continental event, as they came up top against Asian Giants India and Pakistan to win the championship in Dubai.
The Sri Lanka team also has settled unit for the ODI Cricket, as they will rely on the experienced Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga to deliver well for his team in the marquee event.
According to the reports in Espncricinfo, Sri Lankan pacer Dushamantha Chameera is likely to miss out on the continental event due to a shoulder injury, which would be a big blow for the home team in the title defence. The pacer has produced a crucial performance for their team with the new ball against the high-quality opponents and would be missing for the side in the Asia Cup.
Star performer of the Lankan Premier League (LPL 2023) Wanindu Hasaranga is set to miss out first two games of the league stage, due to the thigh niggle he suffered during their primary T20 league in the country. The 26-year-old is arguably one of the most well-known Sri Lankan players in white-ball cricket and could be a vital miss for the team in Asia Cup 2023.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal will be teams fighting out for the prestigious title, starting on August 3o. Dasun Shanaka-led side will begin their campaign against Pakistan on August 31 in Pallekele.