Two Sri Lankan players have tested positive for the feared COVID-19 virus with less than a week till the start of the Asia Cup 2023.
According to reports, hosts SL opening batter Avishka Fernando and wicketkeeper Kusal Perera have both tested positive for this dreaded virus.
Asia Cup 2023 Schedule – Revised
| Date | Venue | Match | Stage | Match Timing/Result |
| 6 Sep | Lahore | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST (Pak win by 7 wickets) |
| 9 Sep | Colombo | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 10 Sep | Colombo | India vs Pakistan | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 11 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day | (Ind won by 228 runs) | |
| 12 Sep | Colombo | India vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (India won by 41 runs) |
| 14 Sep | Colombo | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets) |
| 15 Sep | Colombo | India vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 17 Sep | Colombo | Final | 3:00 PM IST | |
| 18 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day |
Sri Lanka, the defending champions, have revealed their likely lineup for the Asia Cup 2023. It should be noted that veteran batter Kusal Perera has marked his return in the national team and will assume top-order duties in the major match.
The fact that Dasun Shanaka and company will play some of their games at home will give them an advantage.
Team Sri Lanka eyeing momentum for WC
Upbeat Sri Lankan team is grouped with Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Group 2. The Asia Cup 2023 is being co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The Asia Cup was last played in the T20 format, however this year, with the ODI World Cup approaching, the action switches to the 50-over version.
Asia Cup 2023 will act as a trial run for the upcoming World Cup later in the year.
Sri Lanka has won the Asia Cup six times, with their first triumph being in 1986 when they served as the tournament’s first-ever hosts.
They will enter the World Cup with a lot of confidence if they are able to produce a strong showing in the Asia Cup 2023. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga are two excellent spinners on Shanaka‘s team.
