Overview
- Chief selector Upul Tharanga says no decision has been taken to remove Asalanka, with leadership to be evaluated after the tri-series.
- Dasun Shanaka has been appointed stand-in captain for the Pakistan–Zimbabwe tri-series and is leading the side on tour.
- Tharanga cited illness—viral fever and body aches—and an uncertain recovery timeline as the reason Asalanka was sent home.
- Reports that Asalanka urged teammates to abandon the tour following an Islamabad suicide bombing have been challenged by officials and remain unconfirmed.
- Selectors acknowledge concerns over Asalanka’s recent T20 form with the home World Cup two months away, and pacer Asitha Fernando also returned home unwell.