T20 Blast 2026: Nottinghamshire sign Sri Lanka's Binura Fernando as Mohammad Ali's replacement

Nottinghamshire have confirmed the signing of Sri Lankan international Binura Fernando as a replacement for Mohammad Ali for the remainder of the 2026 T20 Blast. The Pakistan bowler has been called up to the Test squad travelling to the West Indies to take part in a two-match series.

Ali would be a huge miss for the Outlaws for the rest of the season. The 33-year-old was the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps from 10 matches, bowling at a healthy economy rate of 7.73. He is one of the main reasons behind Notts' incredible 20-over campaign, seeing them top the North Group with 28 points from 10 outings, winning seven. 

Fernando, therefore, will have huge boots to fill as he prepares for his maiden adventure in the English domestic circuit. Capped 29 times by Sri Lanka, the 30-year-old last played professional cricket during the Bangladesh Premier League, where he took 18 wickets from 11 matches for the eventual winners, Rajshahi Warriors. This included picking up four wickets in the final, ending the season as the second-highest wicket-taker. 

Fernando will be available to represent the Notts Outlaws for the entirety of the remaining T20 Blast campaign, starting with the two group stage matches against Leicestershire (July 10) and Yorkshire (July 12) ahead of the knockout rounds. The Trent Bridge-based side are all just guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals, which could eventually lead to a place in the iconic Blast Finals Day, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 18 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Nottinghamshire for the Vitality Blast. It’s a fantastic opportunity to represent such a prestigious club. I can’t wait to get out at Trent Bridge, meet the players, supporters, and contribute to the team’s success. I’m looking forward to getting started!" Fernando said on the Nottinghamshire website. 

Nottinghamshire are also enjoying a tremendous season in the County Championship. The defending champions are at the top of the standings, with 116 points from eight matches. They are five points clear of second- and third-placed Somerset and Warwickshire, respectively.