Shoulder Injury Casts Doubt Over Eshan Malinga’s T20 World Cup Participation

Sri Lanka fast bowler Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the third T20I against England on Tuesday after suffering a dislocated shoulder, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Monday. The injury has also placed his participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in serious doubt.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the 24-year-old seamer had been included in Sri Lanka’s yet-to-be-announced World Cup squad, but the freak injury sustained during Sunday’s defeat to England in Pallekele has now jeopardised his place.

Malinga was injured in the eighth over of England’s chase after play resumed following a lengthy rain delay. Delivering the first ball of the over, he appeared to tweak his left, non-bowling shoulder during his follow-through, immediately clutching it and falling to the ground in visible discomfort. The delivery was ruled a no-ball for height, sailing above the batter’s waist.

“He will return to Colombo today, where he will undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the injury and determine the next course of action,” SLC said in a media release.

The setback comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Malinga, who has rapidly risen through Sri Lanka’s seam-bowling ranks following an impressive IPL debut in 2025. Since making his T20I debut in November, he has taken eight wickets in eight matches at a strike rate of 17.1, establishing himself as a key member of the attack.

No replacement has been named in the squad for the third T20I, leaving Pramod Madushan as the only other frontline seamer available. Madushan, initially earmarked as back-up for Dushmantha Chameera, is expected to come into the XI in Malinga’s absence.

With SLC yet to officially announce their World Cup squad, it remains unclear whether Malinga will be able to retain his spot in the final 15. Any changes made after the January 31 squad submission deadline would require approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Should Sri Lanka be forced into making a change, they have several fast-bowling options at their disposal. Madushan and Nuwan Thushara are considered the leading contenders, with Thushara having been a key contributor in T20Is over the past year. Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka are also in the frame, with Binura and Madushanka offering left-arm pace options.

The results of Malinga’s MRI scan are expected to provide greater clarity on both his recovery timeline and Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans.