Sri Lanka Unveil T20 World Cup 2026 Squad – Sri Lanka Announces Full-Strength Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
A New Chapter for Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket
As the cricketing world turns its attention toward the prestigious ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Sri Lanka Cricket board has officially unveiled a squad that strikes a deliberate balance between seasoned experience and promising youth. With the tournament fast approaching, the selection panel has opted to rely on the steady leadership of veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu to navigate what promises to be a grueling campaign.
Athapaththu, a stalwart of the game, enters this tournament with a historic milestone under her belt. Her selection as captain for the 2026 edition means she has now participated in all nine previous iterations of the Women’s T20 World Cup, a testament to her longevity, skill, and unwavering commitment to the national team.
The Squad Composition
The squad is headlined by Athapaththu, but the real intrigue lies in the supporting cast. The selectors have clearly prioritized continuity by retaining key figures such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunarathne, and Kaveesha Dilhari. These players have become the backbone of the team’s batting and bowling lineups, providing a level of reliability that will be essential in the high-pressure environment of a World Cup.
Beyond the established stars, the selection committee has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by including younger prospects like Kaushini Nuthyangana, Shashini Gimhani, and Mithali Ayodhya. The inclusion of these emerging talents is designed to deepen the team’s bench strength while providing vital exposure to the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers on the world stage.
Full Sri Lanka Women’s Squad:
- Chamari Athapaththu (Captain)
- Hasini Perera
- Vishmi Gunarathne
- Harshitha Samarawickrama
- Imesha Dulani
- Nilakshika Silva
- Kaveesha Dilhari
- Hansima Karunarathne
- Kaushini Nuthyangana
- Sugandika Dassanayaka
- Nimasha Madushani
- Shashini Gimhani
- Kawya Kavindi
- Malki Madara
- Mithali Ayodhya
Preparing for the English Challenge
The road ahead for Sri Lanka is undeniably difficult. Drawn into a formidable Group B, they are set to compete against powerhouses like England, New Zealand, and the West Indies. Qualification into the knockout stages will require not just skill, but tactical brilliance and mental fortitude.
The campaign kicks off on June 12 at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, where Sri Lanka will face the tournament hosts, England. This match is expected to be a baptism of fire, particularly given the English conditions which historically favor seam bowling—a challenge that Athapaththu’s side must overcome to set a positive tone for the rest of their tournament. Before the official commencement, the team will undergo final preparations through two warm-up matches, facing Pakistan on June 6 and the Netherlands on June 9 in Derby.
A Historic Milestone for Match Officials
In a significant move for gender equality in sports, the ICC has announced that the tournament will feature an all-female panel of match officials. This marks the second consecutive time that the governing body has entrusted an entire ICC tournament to women, reinforcing a commitment to developing officiating talent globally.
The event will see 14 umpires and four match referees oversee 33 matches across England and Wales. The panel includes a mix of rising stars and seasoned professionals. Notably, Australian umpire Claire Polosak is set to officiate in her sixth Women’s T20 World Cup, while Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton will be appearing in their fifth. Fresh from successful stints at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, officials such as Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and Shathira Jakir Jesy have also been promoted to the T20 World Cup roster.
The ICC International Panel of Umpires for 2026 includes:
- Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Anna Harris, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Candace La Borde, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Suzanne Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams, and Gayathri Venugopalan.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on whether the underdog status of the Sri Lankan side can serve as a catalyst for upset victories in the group stages. With a mixture of legendary leadership and youthful energy, the team is ready to make their mark on the 2026 edition of the game’s shortest format.
