SRI LANKA CRICKET NEWS
(MAY 2026)
Compiled by Victor Melder
A high-level team from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to visit Sri Lanka following the government’s appointment of an interim body to oversee cricket administration, according to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI). PTI reported that ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on Friday night, with another ICC official—who also holds a top-level role within the BCCI—scheduled to follow on Saturday. Sri Lankan Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, speaking during a television programme, confirmed that ICC officials are expected to visit Sri Lanka in the coming days for discussions. This development comes after the government appointed a nine-member committee to oversee Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). On April 29, Minister Gamage named the interim panel following the resignation of SLC President Shammi Silva and the Executive Committee. The committee has been tasked with managing cricket administration, driving reforms, and overseeing operations until fresh elections are conducted. (Ceylon Today, 18.5.2026)
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, has approved the appointment of a new Selection Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket following a request made by the board. According to the Ministry, the appointments were made under the powers vested in the Minister through Section 39 (1) of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 and the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2437/24 dated May 21, 2025. The newly appointed Selection Committee will be headed by former cricketer Kapila Wijegunawardena as Chairman. The other members appointed to the committee are Amal Silva, Brendon Kuruppu, Waruna Waragoda and Vanessa De Silva (née Bowen). The Ministry said that the new appointments are expected to strengthen transparency and efficiency in the player selection process of Sri Lanka Cricket, particularly ahead of upcoming international tournaments and domestic competitions. (Daily Mirror, 22.5.2026)
Chairman Cricket Committee and Member of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee Sidath Wettimuny said that they will make a determined effort with the authorities to get more Test matches for the Sri Lanka Men’s national team in the future. “I am a fan of Test cricket and I would love to see more Test cricket. At the moment because of this Test Championship cycle we have no choice but to play these matches and then fit in other games,” Wettimuny said. “Everybody is tending to play 50-over games and T20 games and so that aspect also we have to think about. Yes, we will certainly discuss and see whether we can get more Test cricket because that is very important.” “Hopefully, when we look at the calendar, it is already fixed for a while but with time, we might be able to get more Test cricket. I would love to see that happening.” (Sunday Observer, 24.5.2026)
Sri Lanka Cricket has officially appointed Kusal Mendis as the white‑ball skipper, while Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the Test team ahead of upcoming West Indies tour. All‑rounder Kamindu Mendis has been entrusted as vice‑captain across all three formats. The tour of the West Indies, beginning on 26th May 2026, will feature matches in all three formats — ODIs, T20Is, and Tests. The series opens with the ODIs, followed by the T20Is, and concludes with the Tests. Test Squads: Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis – (VC), Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva – (C), Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Isitha Wijesundara, Kasun Rajitha. ODI Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis – (C), Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis (VC), Milan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan. T20I Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis – (C), Kamindu Mendis – (VC), Dasun Shanaka, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage,, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara (Ceylon Today, 26.5.2026)
