Sri Lanka have named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu set to lead her country at the tournament for a record 10th time.
The squad combines an experienced core with several emerging players as Sri Lanka prepare for a challenging campaign in England and Wales. Athapaththu, who has featured in every edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup since its inception in 2009, remains the centrepiece of the side and will once again carry the hopes of a team looking to make a deeper impact on the global stage.
Sri Lanka squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya
Among the notable selections is 17-year-old Shashini Gimhani, the ambidextrous wrist-spinner who continues her rapid rise in international cricket. Gimhani made her debut at the age of 15, becoming Sri Lanka’s youngest international cricketer, and has already played seven T20Is. Her inclusion reflects the faith selectors have placed in one of the country’s most promising young talents.
Batter Vishmi Gunaratne also returns to the World Cup setup, while seamer Kawya Kavindi has earned a place after impressing in domestic and international opportunities. The trio headline a group of younger players entrusted with helping shape Sri Lanka’s future.
The squad features eight players who are set to make their Women’s T20 World Cup debuts. Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara and Mithali Ayodhya will all experience the tournament for the first time, highlighting the transition currently underway within Sri Lankan women’s cricket.
While youth forms a significant part of the squad, Sri Lanka have retained a solid foundation of experience. Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari provide valuable international know-how alongside Athapaththu, with all four expected to play key roles during the campaign.
The squad announcement follows Sri Lanka’s successful T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this month, where they completed a 3-0 sweep. The series offered selectors a final opportunity to assess combinations before finalising the World Cup group.
There were some notable omissions from the squad that featured against Bangladesh. Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga and experienced spinner Inoka Ranaweera have all been left out of the World Cup squad.
Sri Lanka face a difficult assignment in Group 2, where they have been drawn alongside hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland. Their tournament begins with the opening match of the World Cup against England at Edgbaston on June 12. The side will then travel to Southampton to face New Zealand before consecutive matches in Bristol against West Indies and Ireland. Their group-stage campaign concludes against Scotland at Old Trafford on June 26.
With only two teams advancing from each group, Sri Lanka will need to produce consistent performances against some of the strongest sides in the competition.
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