Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage exits Asia Cup after father’s demise

By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 19 Sep 2025

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has flown back home early Friday after the unexpected passing of his father Suranga Wellalage.

The 22-year-old, who featured in Sri Lanka's Asia Cup Group B victory against Afghanistan in Dubai, departed Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways flight EY-392, arriving in Katunayake. 

Suranga Wellalage, a former cricketer, died on September 18 at the age of 54, reportedly losing his life to a sudden heart attack. Dunith was informed of the tragic news after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets with eight balls to spare, securing their spot in the Super Four stage.

Wellalage immediately left the team camp to return home, and his participation in the remainder of the tournament now appears highly unlikely.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to face Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on the 23rd, and India on the 26th.

This was Wellalage’s debut appearance in the Asia Cup and just his fifth T20 International. He has represented Sri Lanka in 31 ODIs, with a standout performance of 5 for 27 against India in Colombo in August 2024. He also took 5 for 40 against India in a 2023 Asia Cup match, when the tournament was played in the ODI format. He was the equal-second wicket-taker in that tournament, claiming 10 dismissals at an average of 17.90.