Madushanka had torn an oblique muscle during a practice game on Friday, and may even be battling to regain fitness ahead of World Cup in October, Professor Arjuna de Silva, SLC’s chairman of the medical committee told ESPNcricinfo. Chameera, likewise, has a pectoral injury that puts him in some doubt for the start of the World Cup as well.
Kumara, meanwhile, has suffered a side strain – a recurring injury. His recovery time is not expected to be as long as that of Chameera or Madushanka, but may put him out of the Asia Cup completely as well.
Kumara, Chameera, and Madushanka are among Sri Lanka’s quickest bowlers, and their absence will create problems for Sri Lanka’s attack, which had carried them through the World Cup Qualifier in June and July. In the absence of these quicks, Sri Lanka will likely have to rely on the likes of Kasun Rajitha, Pramod Madushan, and Matheesha Pathirana, all of whom have at least some experience.
Hasaranga, meanwhile, could be replaced by left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage, although legspinning allrounder Dushan Hemantha may also be called up.
Sri Lanka’s first match of the Asia Cup is against Bangladesh, on Thursday. They have to avoid finishing last in a group also featuring Afghanistan, to make it to the Super 4 stage.
