Selection Chaos: Three Players Sent Home from Kandy as Kusal Perera Makes Shock Comeback

KANDY, SRI LANKA – Chaos and confusion have hit the Sri Lankan cricket camp just days before the T20I series against England, scheduled to begin at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on January 30th.

The Pallekele Departure

In a highly unusual move, three prominent players—Treveen Mathews, Dushan Hemantha, and Kamindu Mendis—were reportedly ordered to leave the team hotel and return home. The trio had already arrived in Kandy with the expectation of being part of the squad. However, they were later informed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials that they had not made the final cut for the T20I series.

Sources close to the players suggest that the sudden dismissal has caused significant frustration, as the players were already in "match mode" and preparing for the high-profile series.

The Kusal Perera "U-Turn"

Adding to the drama, the national selectors have pulled off a major surprise by recalling veteran explosive batsman Kusal Janith Perera. Perera had been notably absent from the preliminary squad and was widely reported to have been dropped. His sudden inclusion in the official squad announced today has left fans and analysts questioning the consistency of the selection committee’s strategy.

England Series Looming

The sudden reshuffling comes at a critical time as Sri Lanka prepares to face a formidable England side. While Perera’s experience adds firepower to the top order, the psychological impact of sending three prepared players home remains a point of heated debate among the local cricket fraternity. (NewsCenter)