The Avishka Fernando ODI recall was confirmed on Sunday, October 4, 2026, when Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named a 16-member squad for the upcoming one-day international tri-series in Pakistan, which also features England. The batter is set to play his first ODI since February 2025. The announcement also brought the inclusion of Sahan Arachchige and the omission of former captain Charith Asalanka, following a difficult tour of England.
The Avishka Fernando ODI Recall
Fernando’s last appearance in the format came in February 2025. His return follows a productive domestic season that included two centuries, according to reports, and he takes the place of Asalanka in the batting order. ESPN described Asalanka’s spell back in the national fold as extremely brief, as he was also left out of the Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for the series against Pakistan that precedes the tri-series. In this regard, the Avishka Fernando ODI recall reflects a selection panel looking to refresh a batting line-up that struggled in England.
Changes to the Sri Lanka ODI Squad
Arachchige, a spin-bowling allrounder who recently led Sri Lanka to a bronze medal at the Asian Games, takes the place of the injured Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga is out with a hamstring injury picked up during the England tour. Asalanka, who served as vice-captain on that tour, has been dropped.
Otherwise, the Sri Lanka ODI squad is largely unchanged from the side that played in England. Kusal Mendis remains captain and wicketkeeper, and no deputy has been named. Pathum Nissanka has been retained despite a hamstring problem, but SLC has said he will travel only if declared fit. The pace attack comprises Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga, while Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage and Dunith Wellalage provide the spin options alongside Arachchige.
Leadership and Selection Questions
Sri Lanka enter the tournament without a named deputy for captain Kusal Mendis. Asalanka held the vice-captaincy on the England tour. Mendis had a mixed series. His century at Headingley kept the contest alive, but he made 35 in the decider at The Oval before the innings collapsed.
Nissanka’s fitness will also shape the batting order. If he is ruled out, the Avishka Fernando ODI recall will carry added weight.
Selectors have kept faith with most of the England squad, so the tri-series is as much a test of their judgment as of the players.
Lessons from the England Tour
The selection comes after a poor tour in which Sri Lanka won only one of its six internationals, according to ESPN. England took the three-match ODI series 2-1. Sri Lanka had levelled the series at Headingley, where a century by Kusal Mendis helped the visitors defend 321 and win by 16 runs. In the decider at The Oval, however, England scored 355 for 7 and bowled Sri Lanka out for 132, winning by 223 runs. ESPN described batting collapses as routine on the tour, which explains the focus on adjustments to the top and middle order.
What Awaits in the Pakistan Tri-Series
The Pakistan tri-series involves the hosts, Sri Lanka and England, and runs from October 18 to October 31. Sri Lanka and Pakistan will meet in the opening match in Rawalpindi on October 18. Before that, Sri Lanka will play a T20I series against Pakistan beginning on October 9.
For Fernando, the tournament offers a chance to turn domestic form into international runs. For Arachchige, it is an opportunity to establish himself in a side that has lost Hasaranga’s all-round skills for now. The Pakistan tri-series will therefore serve as the first real test of whether the changes address the weaknesses exposed in England.
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