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Sri Lanka (Source: Twitter)
After two Sri Lanka players tested positive for COVID-19, the reigning Asia Cup champions suffered another major setback less than a week before the start of the 16th edition of the continental event. According to reports, star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to miss the 2023 Asia Cup due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023.
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The B-Love Kandy skipper Hasaranga suffered the injury during his side's match against Galle Titans in the Qualifier 2. Although he was not in the playing XI for the final, which Kandy won the match by five wickets, his all-round heroics were key throughout their campaign. The 26-year-old was the tournament's leading wicket-taker (19 wickets at an average of 10.73) and top-scorer (279 runs at a strike rate of 189.80).
Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka's best spinner for the past few years. If he is out, though there is no official announcement yet about his absence in the upcoming tournament, it will surely hurt The Lions in the upcoming major tournament. He will have to undergo a fitness test in the coming days after which a call will be taken regarding his availability. He was instrumental in Sri Lanka's success in last year's Asia Cup, where they defeated Pakistan in the final to lift the coveted title.
Two Sri Lankan players have been diagnosed with Covid-19
Earlier, on Friday morning, there were reports that Sri Lankan opener Avishka Fernando and wicketkeeper-batter Kushal Perera had tested positive for COVID-19. With five days left for the 2023 Asia Cup to begin, this is a worrying update for the cricketing world. Things have returned to normal, but the virus has once again become a threat as the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup approaches.
Sri Lanka are yet to announce their Asia Cup squad, but Hasaranga, Fernando and Perera were sure pick of the selectors. However, with the recent developments, it is now unclear whether they will be included in the squad for at least the initial few matches. Sri Lanka, one the hosts of the Asian tournament, will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on August 31 at the Pallekale International Stadium, Pallekale.