Mendis to lead Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Tests

Sri Lanka has named a 15-player squad led by Kusal Mendis for its two-Test tour of Pakistan, with Pathum Nissanka’s participation conditional on medical clearance and fitness. The first Test is scheduled for November 9 in Rawalpindi, followed by a second match on November 17 in Lahore. Both games are part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Mendis takes over the Test captaincy after Dhananjaya de Silva relinquished the role. It will be Mendis’ first assignment as Test captain, extending his leadership of Sri Lanka’s white-ball teams to all three international formats. De Silva said he stepped down to give younger players greater responsibility. The squad includes maiden Test call-ups for wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara and fast bowler Eshan Malinga. Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka also returns to the Test squad. The 15 players selected are Mendis, Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, de Silva, Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Madushanka and Malinga. Sri Lanka Cricket said Nissanka will travel only if he is declared medically fit.