Sri Lanka Cricket has replaced Kamindu Mendis as vice-captain for ODI and T20I formats ahead of the England tour, reinstating Charith Asalanka to the deputy position just months after Mendis's appointment.
Kamindu Mendis has been removed from his role as Sri Lanka's one-day and Twenty20 vice-captain following the announcement of squads for the upcoming tour of England. The change sees former white-ball captain Charith Asalanka appointed to the deputy position in both formats, with Kusal Mendis remaining as captain.
Mendis was elevated to the all-format vice-captaincy in May following the West Indies tour, when the newly constituted selection committee led by Kapila Wijegunawardena restructured the leadership group. He held the role across ODIs and T20Is alongside Dhananjaya de Silva's captaincy in Test cricket.
The reasons for Mendis's removal have not been publicly explained by Sri Lanka Cricket officials. Mendis continues to feature in both the ODI and T20I squads for England, indicating the change affects only his vice-captaincy responsibilities rather than his playing status. Asalanka, who previously led the white-ball teams before Kusal Mendis's appointment following the new selection panel's arrival, returns to the deputy leadership position.
Sri Lanka will field 16-member squads for both formats during the England tour, comprising three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals. The team is scheduled to depart on September 5.