Asian Games: Dickwella in Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the first time since 2021

Niroshan Dickwella is set to pull on a Sri Lanka shirt for the first time in five years, headlining a bold, second-string 15-member squad named for the upcoming Asian Games men’s cricket competition. With first-choice T20I regulars rested, allrounder Sahan Arachchige resumes leadership duties, hoping to erase the bitter memory of a shock quarter-final exit against Afghanistan in the previous edition. Sri Lanka head straight into the quarter-finals this time, with their campaign opening on September 29 in Nisshin. The Veteran Gambles: Dickwella and Bandara Selectors rolled the dice on pedigree over current form by recalling Niroshan Dickwella (last played a T20I in 2021) and Ashen Bandara (last international in 2023). Both endured quiet LPL 2026 campaigns: Dickwella managed 110 runs at a 142.85 strike rate for Dambulla Sixers, while Bandara featured in just three games for Colombo Kaps (28 runs). Selectors are banking heavily on their seasoned presence to anchor a largely unproven batting unit. Four Maiden Call-Ups Domestic dominance has been richly rewarded, injecting four fresh faces into the national setup: Sineth Jayawardena: The former U-19 World Cup captain stormed the Major Clubs T20 Tournament with 372 runs at 167.56, highlighted by a blistering 32-ball 82 in the final for Tamil Union. Sohan de Livera: Partnering Jayawardena as a top-order left-hander, he racked up 307 runs at a 156.63 strike rate. Wanuja Sahan: The left-arm spinning allrounder impressed for Colombo in the LPL (9 wickets at 6.30 economy, plus a 15-ball 34* and a Player-of-the-Match 2/8 in the Eliminator). Garuka Sanketh: Known for raw pace in the LPL followed by an 11-wicket haul (8.87 economy) in domestic club cricket for Moors. Balance with Spin and Slinger Firepower Spin Department: Legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth joins after topping domestic charts with 17 wickets, supported by ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake and legspinner Dushan Hemantha. Pace & Allrounders: LPL title-winner Chamika Karunaratne (253 runs at 157.14) returns alongside slinger Nuwan Thushara and left-arm quick Binura Fernando. Sri Lanka's Asian Games Squad Captain: Sahan Arachchige Wicketkeeper: Niroshan Dickwella Batters/Allrounders: Sineth Jayawardena, Sohan de Livera, Ashen Bandara, Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanuja Sahan Spinners: Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Tharindu Ratnayake, Dushan Hemantha Fast Bowlers: Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Garuka Sanketh