Sri Lanka have dropped Lasith Malinga from their one-day international squad to face Pakistan in a five-match series starting next week, raising doubts if the veteran fast bowler will feature in the team's 2019 World Cup plans.
Malinga, feared for his awkward action and toe-crushing yorkers, returned to international cricket during June's Champions Trophy after a knee injury that kept him out of last year's World Twenty20.
But the 34-year-old has not been as effective since his return, managing only 10 wickets from 13 ODIs. He has taken 301 wickets from 204 matches in his career.
Sri Lanka, after losing 5-0 to India recently at home, will also be without former captain and allrounder Angelo Mathews, who is struggling with a calf injury.
The first ODI will be played on October 13 in Dubai with the teams also slated to play a three-match T20 series.
SQUAD:
Upul Tharanga (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Chamara Kapugedara, Thisara Perera, Seekuge Prasanna, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay.
