LPL 2022: Kandy Falcons rope in Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka

Kandy Falcons have added another star Sri Lankan cricketer to their ranks, roping in opening batter Pathum Nissanka for the upcoming Lanka Premier League season, commencing on 31st July. The right-handed batter will team up with compatriots Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne in the Falcons squad.

The top-order batter is ranked 8th in ICC’s Men’s T20I batting rankings, highest among all Sri Lankan batters currently. One of the many talented Sri Lankan players, Nissanka is an exciting prospect who impressed one and all with a glorious match-winning maiden century in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.

The 24-year-old joins the franchise ahead of the third edition of the LPL and will be sharing the spotlight with several other youngsters like Kamindhu Mendis, Dewald Brewis, and Matheesha Pathirana. The squad has got a perfect amalgamation of youth and experience with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Carlos Brathwaite at the helm. Kandy Falcons’ owner welcomed the opener to the team and stated that he will be an asset in the upcoming tournament.

“Pathum’s inclusion will not only strengthen our batting but his recent experience playing in the Sri Lanka T20 team will be a huge asset to the team. I am sure the fans will be happy to see him in action for Kandy Falcons in the LPL,” Kandy franchisee owner Parvez Khan said to Newswire.

Pathum Nissanka has tested positive for Covid-19

Meanwhile, Nissanka has been ruled out of the ongoing second Test against Australia after he tested positive for Covid-19. Oshada Fernando has been brought on as the Covid substitute, who had also replaced Angelo Mathews in similar circumstances in the first Test against the visitors.

The Sri Lankan camp has been hit with a Covid outbreak as the quartet of Praveen Jayawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Asitha Fernando, and Jeffrey Vandersay were also ruled out for the second Test after testing positive for Covid 19, post the first Test. Meanwhile, Mathews recovered just in time for the second Test and registered a crucial fifty for the side in the first innings.