BREAKING! Yet another star player ruled out of ODI World Cup 2023

The 2023 edition of the ODI World Cup is nearing its start date. The clock is ticking with ten teams set to fight for the biggest title in ODI Cricket. As the tournament day draws, there are teams that have players who are racing against time to be fit.

Just a couple of days ago there was news for the South African fans. South African pace duo Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala were ruled out. Pakistani fans also got the grim news that Naseem Shah was facing a lengthy lay-off due to injury.

On Sunday it was the turn of the Sri Lankan fans. The 1996 World Cup winners faced a huge loss even before a ball could be bowled. The Dasun Shanaka-led side already has a depleted side due to injuries.

ODI World Cup 2023 (source-Twitter)

Big-name player set to miss the 2023 World Cup –

Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the World Cup. The 26-year-old suffered an injury to his hamstring. The injury was suffered when he played in the Lankan T20 league.

Hasaranga had earlier missed the Asia Cup campaign where Sri Lanka had reached the finals. The loss will be felt by the Sri Lankan team as Hasaranga was a huge asset with the ball. The 26-year-old is also an able batter and a very good fielder.

Apart from Hasaranga, Dushmanta Chameera, Lahiru Kumar, and Dilshan Madushanka are also injured. The Sri Lankan squad is yet to be announced and with Hasaranga ruled out there are more concerns.

Young Dunith Wellalage could earn a call-up considering his exploits with the bat and ball during the 2023 Asia Cup. As per reports, Dasun Shanaka could retain his captaincy for the tournament. Angelo Mathews is also expected to make a comeback to the ODI side.

Most of the teams that are taking part in the 2023 ODI World Cup are facing fitness issues. India’s Axar Patel is racing against time to regain his fitness. Australian opener Travis Head suffered an injury to his forearm. Tim Southee has just undergone surgery on his thumb, while Haris Rauf is also still not fully fit.

Hasaranga last played for Sri Lanka during the World Cup qualifiers that were held in Zimbabwe. The 26-year-old has played 48 ODI games and picked 67 wickets with a best of 6/24. With the bat, Hasaranga has scored 832 runs with 4 fifties and a best of 80 not out. Sri Lanka will open their campaign against South Africa on 7^th October at New Delhi.