All-rounder Bhanuka Rajapaksa has decided to withdraw from the Sri Lankan ODI squad named for the series against Afghanistan.

“Decided to withdraw from the ODi squad in hope to recover and refresh both physically and mentally,”  had Tweeted.

Thank you @OfficialSLC for being supportive and understanding of this decision. All the best to the rest of the team and our captain @dasunshanaka1, I'm sure you will make us all proud.

— Bhanuka Rajapaksa (@BhanukaRajapak3) November 24, 2022

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a list of 16 players that will take part in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan beginning November 25, with all three games set to take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. However, the squad is still pending approval from the country’s Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Sri Lanka’s squad for Afghanistan ODI series: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dananjaya Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Lahiru Kumara, Bhanuka Rajapaksa*

In a Tweet, the SLC has said that Bhanuka’s name will be released from the squad following his request.

In the meantime, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has requested that Sri Lanka Cricket release him from the current squad, as he wants to take a break from ODI cricket.
Accordingly, Rajapaksa will be released from the squad. https://t.co/Y1AA9a8dMU

— Sri Lanka Cricket  (@OfficialSLC) November 24, 2022