SL T20I Stars Head to UAE for ILT20 🏏

• Seven Sri Lankan T20I specialists from the recent Tri-Series squad have been signed by five franchises for the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. • Key Teams & Players: • Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera. • Gulf Giants: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwan Thushara. • Sharjah Warriorz: Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana. • Desert Vipers: Wanindu Hasaranga. • MI Emirates: Kamindu Mendis. • The league offers a vital opportunity to fine-tune T20I skills ahead of the T20 World Cup in Feb-March, after the national squad's disappointing Tri-Series campaign. • Comeback: Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana returns to competitive action after missing the Pakistan tour due to an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). His form is central to SL's T20 World Cup hopes. • Selection Trend: The selection heavily favors specialist bowlers and all-rounders. Minimal interest in SL batsmen (only Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis signed) is noted as a sign of their inconsistent returns in the national team.