Sri Lanka Unveil T20 World Cup 2026 Squad – Sri Lanka Announce Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

A New Chapter for Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket

With the excitement building for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Sri Lanka Cricket selectors have officially announced their full-strength squad for the marquee tournament. The announcement comes just weeks before the teams head to England, where the world’s best will battle for the coveted title. Leading the charge once again is the legendary all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, whose leadership remains central to the team’s ambitions.

Athapaththu’s appointment as captain carries profound significance, not just for her tactical acumen but for her historic longevity in the game. By participating in this tournament, she marks her presence in every single one of the nine previous editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, cementing her legacy as one of the format’s most consistent and enduring figures.

Balancing Experience and Emerging Talent

The selection committee has opted for a balanced approach, blending the wisdom of established stars with the raw potential of the next generation. Key players such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunarathne, and Kaveesha Dilhari form the backbone of the side. However, the squad also places a strong emphasis on future-proofing, with the inclusion of young talents like Kaushini Nuthyangana, Shashini Gimhani, and Mithali Ayodhya. These additions are designed to bolster bench strength and provide invaluable experience to the country’s rising stars on the global stage.

The full squad for the tournament includes:

• 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

Before the main event kicks off, the squad will undergo a rigorous preparation phase. Two warm-up matches are scheduled to help the team acclimatize to the conditions. They will face Pakistan Women on June 6, followed by a contest against the Netherlands Women on June 9, with both matches being held in Derby.

The task ahead remains formidable. Sri Lanka has been placed in a challenging Group B, alongside heavyweights such as England, New Zealand, and the West Indies. Qualification for the knockout stages will require immense focus and tactical precision. Their opening fixture is a true ‘trial by fire’ as they take on hosts England at the historic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on June 12. Facing the hosts in the opening match is expected to be a massive test for Athapaththu’s side, especially given the seam-friendly conditions anticipated in the region. Despite being labeled as underdogs in such a tough group, the team remains hopeful of springing a few surprises.

A Historic Milestone in Officiating

In a separate but equally important development, the ICC has confirmed that the 2026 tournament will feature an all-female panel of match officials. This is the second consecutive edition where the ICC has entrusted the tournament’s officiating entirely to women, marking a significant step forward for representation in cricket. The event will see 14 umpires and four match referees overseeing 33 matches across England and Wales.

The panel includes a wealth of experience, with Australian umpire Claire Polosak 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 their success at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, officials like Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and Shathira Jakir Jesy have also been promoted to the panel for this edition. The commitment to gender equality in officiating underscores the growing stature of the women’s game worldwide.