Why is Kusal Perera not playing? This is a question that has now consistently haunted Sri Lanka fans ahead of Asia Cup 2023. Sri Lanka have been dealt with multiple blows ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 which commences from August 30 in Multan. The Asia Cup 2023 will be hosted jointly by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Ahead of the first Asia Cup 2023 game, let’s take a look at why Kusal Perera might not star at the multi-nation tournament.
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Why is Kusal Perera not playing?
As per reports, Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Perera is down with COVID-19, right before Asia Cup 2023 begins. Perera testing positive for COVID-19 might prove to be costly for Asia Cup 2023 hosts Sri Lanka, who are currently dealing with a situation where their key players are either ruled out or are set to miss a part of the tournament owing to injuries.
Kusal Perera ODI stats
Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Perera has amassed 1177 runs from 22 ODI innings, proving to be a key member of the Sri Lankan team. With a highest score of 153 runs, Perera averages 30.97 in the 50-over format of the game.
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Kusal Perera T20I stats
In the shortest format of the game, Kusal Perera has played 63 games, scoring 1660 runs so far. He averages 27.66 in the T20I format and has maintained a strike rate of 130.7 so far. The Sri Lanka wicketkeeper’s highest score for the side in the shortest format of the game is currently 84.
Kusal Perera Test stats
Kusal Perera has played only 22 Tests so far in his career for Sri Lanka. He has scored 1177 runs at an average of 30.97, while registering a highest score of 153 runs.
Sri Lanka’s injury concerns ahead of Asia Cup 2023
Apart from Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka batter Avishka Fernando has also reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara are also set to miss the tournament due to injuries while pace spearhead Dushmanta Chameera was already ruled out. To add to Sri Lanka’s woes, their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is also unlikely to participate in the tournament as he is also recovering from an injury.
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Asia Cup 2023 Schedule – Revised
| Date | Venue | Match | Stage | Match Timing/Result |
| 6 Sep | Lahore | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST (Pak win by 7 wickets) |
| 9 Sep | Colombo | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 10 Sep | Colombo | India vs Pakistan | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 11 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day | (Ind won by 228 runs) | |
| 12 Sep | Colombo | India vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (India won by 41 runs) |
| 14 Sep | Colombo | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets) |
| 15 Sep | Colombo | India vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 17 Sep | Colombo | Final | 3:00 PM IST | |
| 18 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day |
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