Sri Lanka announce 15-member squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2026; Chamari Athapaththu to lead

Sri Lanka have unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England from June 12 to July 5. Experienced all-rounder and captain Chamari Athapaththu will lead the side as she prepares to feature in her tenth Women's T20 World Cup, further cementing her status as one of the most accomplished cricketers in Sri Lankan history.

The selectors have included batter Vishmi Gunaratne, young wrist-spinner Shashini Gimhani, and seamer Kawya Kavindi in the squad as Sri Lanka aim to make a strong impression on the global stage.

One of the notable names in the squad is 17-year-old Gimhani, an ambidextrous wrist-spinner who has already represented Sri Lanka in seven T20Is. She made headlines when she became the youngest player to represent Sri Lanka at the age of 15 and is regarded as one of the country's most exciting young talents.

Meanwhile, Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga, and Inoka Ranaweera have missed out on selection after being part of Sri Lanka's squad during the recent series against Bangladesh.The Sri Lankan team is scheduled to depart for England on June 3 as preparations enter the final phase ahead of the marquee tournament.

Sri Lanka have been placed in Group 2 alongside hosts England, New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland, and Scotland.Their campaign will begin against England at Edgbaston on June 12. Sri Lanka will then take on New Zealand in Southampton on June 16 before facing West Indies and Ireland in back-to-back matches in Bristol on June 21 and June 23, respectively. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Scotland in Manchester on June 26.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled to be played at The Oval on June 30 and July 2. The tournament final will take place at the iconic Lord's on July 5.