Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on Thursday, October 15, that Pathum Nissanka will miss the upcoming tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan. The opening batter failed to receive the necessary medical clearance required to return to play, following a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s tour of England.
Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement for the tournament. While Udara has yet to make his debut in the ODI format, he brings international experience to the side, having represented Sri Lanka in five Test matches and seven T20Is. His recent form includes an impressive 91-run performance against Pakistan earlier this month and a century in Test cricket, where he scored 188 against the West Indies in July 2026.
Nissanka was initially included in the squad announced on October 4, though his selection remained conditional upon him proving his fitness before travel. The injury previously sidelined him from the three-match T20I series against Pakistan. He remains part of the 15-member team selected for the two-Test series starting on November 9, though his participation in those fixtures is also dependent on his recovery. With the condition that he would travel with the team only if declared medically fit, nissanka was named in the squad announced on October 4. However, his availability is again subject to fitness.
The tri-nation ODI series, which also features England, is scheduled to commence on October 18, with the tournament final set for October 31.
