Charith Asalanka, Asitha Fernando leave Pakistan tour due to illness

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando have returned home from the ongoing Pakistan tour due to illness, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Monday.

The two players fell sick ahead of the last ODI of the series, which Pakistan won 3-0, with all matches played at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Stadium.

As a precaution, they will miss the upcoming tri-series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe to receive proper care and recover ahead of future assignments.

In Asalanka’s absence, Dasun Shanaka has been appointed captain for the tri-series, while Pavan Rathnayake has been added to the T20I squad as a replacement.

The T20 tri-nation series, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, will start Tuesday, November 18, in Rawalpindi, with Zimbabwe taking on the hosts at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.