Thisara to lead Sri Lanka in T20s in Lahore: Pothas pulls out

All-rounder Thisara Perera has been named the captain for the three-match T20 series against Pakistan after several senior players expressed their unwillingness to travel to Lahore for the third and final T20 to be held in Lahore on October 29. 

However, coach Nic Pothas and physiotherapist Nirmalan Dhanabalasingha have also raised concerns and will not travel to Lahore. " Just like some players, they too have some reservations with regard to security and will not travel to Lahore," team Manager Asanka Gurusinha confirmed. The other members of the support staff, however, will travel to Lahore with the team.

With several senior cricketers firm in their decision to not to travel to Pakistan, Sri Lanka Cricket named a weakened team led by Thisara Perera. Among the players who were not considered for selection are Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Chamara Kapugedara and Lahiru Thirimanne.

Sri Lanka are down to play the match on October 29 in Lahore, eight years after gunmen attacked the team bus heading to the Gaddafi Stadium where six Sri Lankan cricketers were injured.

Sri Lanka T20I squad: Thisara Perera – Captain 2. Dilshan Munaweera 3. Danushka Gunathilaka 4. Sadeera Samarawickrama 5. Ashan Priyanjan 6. Mahela Udawatte 7. Dasun Shanaka 8. Minod Bhanuka 9. Sachith Pathirana 10. Vikum Sanjaya 11. Lahiru Gamage 12. Seekkuge Prasanna 13. Vishwa Fernando 14. Isuru Udana 15. Jeffrey Vandersay 16. Chaturanga de Silva