Wanindu Hasaranga out of T20 World Cup : While the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is in full swing, the Sri Lankan cricket team has suffered a major setback. Sri Lanka’s key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. He has been replaced by spin bowling all-rounder Dushan Hemanth. The change has been approved by the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.

Hasranga suffered a hamstring injury in Sri Lanka’s first match against Ireland. Despite the injury, he showed remarkable resilience and completed his four overs. He scored 25 runs and took three important wickets in the match. However, an MRI scan after the match revealed a serious injury to his left arm muscle. Due to this, he is now out of the entire competition.

Hemantha Vanindu’s character replaces Hasranga

31-year-old Dushan Hemantha has been named in the team in place of Hasranga. Hemantha has so far represented Sri Lanka in five ODIs and three T20 Internationals. He is considered a useful spin all-rounder and has the ability to provide balance to the team both with the bat and the ball. Sri Lanka’s next match is against Oman on Thursday, where Hemantha is expected to play a key role.

ICC approves Dushan Hemantha’s inclusion

“The Event Technical Committee for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved the inclusion of Dushan Hemantha in the Sri Lanka squad as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga,” the ICC said in an official press release.

Who replaced Bracewell?

Meanwhile, the ICC has also approved a replacement for New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell. Bracewell sustained a leg injury during a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Chennai on 8 February. However, New Zealand is yet to announce a replacement player.

The approval of the Event Technical Committee is very necessary for the transfer of players. The committee includes ICC General Manager Wasim Khan, Gaurav Saxena, Hemang Amin and former South African fast bowler Shaun Pollock.