Sri Lanka announce five maiden call-ups for 2025 Women's World Cup

Veteran batter Chamari Athapaththu will once again captain the side as they look to improve on their modest record at the tournament, having never previously reached a final.

The squad features five players handed maiden World Cup call-ups: Kavisha Dilhari, Malki Madara, Vishmi Gunaratne, Imesha Dulani, and Dewmi Vihanga.

Dulani and seamer Udeshika Prabodani return to the fold after missing recent assignments, while experienced campaigners such as Inoka Ranaweera, Nilakshi de Silva, and Harshitha Samarawickrama retain their places.

Notably absent are Hansima Karunaratne, Manudi Nanayakkara, and Rashmika Sewwandi, all of whom featured in the April–May tri-series against India and South Africa but have been left out of the World Cup party. Inoshi Fernando, the 38-year-old offspinner, has been named as reserve.

Sri Lanka's build-up to the tournament has been mixed. In eight one-day internationals in 2025, they recorded just two victories, suffering five defeats with one match abandoned.

Athapaththu's form remains central to their chances, but the emergence of younger players offers fresh hope.