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With the Asia Cup 2023 just four days away from the start, the reigning champions of the tournament have been hit with a major blow. The Dasun Shanaka-led side, who will aim to defend their title at home this year, will reportedly be without star bowler Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, while Chameera remains doubtful for the entirety of the Asia Cup 2023, Hasaranga remains doubtful for the initial stage. While Chameera sustained a shoulder injury during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL) after he continued to recuperate from an ankle injury. As per reports surfacing, Chameera is likely to miss the entire tournament, Hasaranga missed the LPL final due to thigh strain and is likely to miss the group stage matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is yet to give an official confirmation on the same, Hasaranga’s participation in the tournament will be confirmed only if the risk is not higher seeing the ODI World Cup 2023 coming ahead.
Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando test positive for COVID-19
Just days ahead of the marquee tournament, two Sri Lankan cricketers Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando have tested positive for COVID-19. While both remain under observation as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) await to announce their squad for the continental tournament, set to be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17.
As reported by the ESPNcricinfo, both players might have picked up the virus during the final stages of LPL, which culminated on August 20.
