![Dasun Shanaka and WPL 2026 update [Source: @ThurunuJ, @wplt20/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763396459896_dasun_shanaka.jpg?type=hq)
Dasun Shanaka and WPL 2026 update [Source: @ThurunuJ, @wplt20/x]
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is set to lead his nation in the upcoming Pakistan T20I tri-series 2025 as a replacement for Charith Asalanka. The WPL 2026 season has received a tentative schedule. In other news, Rahul Dravid has been replaced by fellow yesteryears legend Kumar Sangakkara as the new Rajasthan Royals head coach.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Monday, November 17.
WPL 2026 likely in Mumbai and Baroda: Report
The upcoming 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will likely be played between January 7 and February 3, as reported by Cricbuzz. It is worth noting that the WPL 2026 season will be played earlier this time around than its usual schedule since the BCCI will be hosting the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between February and March next year. The Cricbuzz report also indicate that Mumbai and Baroda have been almost finalized as venue cities for the premier women’s T20 tournament.
Dasun Shanaka to lead SL over Asalanka in PAK tri-series
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been appointed as captain of the national team for the upcoming Pakistan T20I tri-series 2025. The vice-captain of the team, the cricketer was ascended as captain by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after regular skipper Charith Asalanka was ruled out of the tour owing to his illness. Asalanka is expected to fly back home to Sri Lanka, along with fast bowler Asitha Fernando, who is also suffering from an illness.
The SLC confirmed the same just a day prior to the launch of the Pakistan T20I tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Sangakkara replaces Rahul Dravid as Rajasthan Royals coach
Former Sri Lanka captain and all-time batting great Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed as the new head coach of the Rajasthan Royals franchise ahead of next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The ex-cricketer previously served as Rajasthan Royals coach between the years 2021 and 2024, before he was replaced by former Indian great Rahul Dravid. Sangakkara, however, has now been brought back as head coach in a bid to change the team’s dwindling fortunes in IPL.
During Rahul Dravid’s tenure earlier this year, the Royals finished number nine on the IPL 2025 points table by securing just four wins in 14 matches.
Sarfaraz Ahmed handed key role by PCB for PAK junior teams
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed key responsibilities to former Pakistan cricketer and 2017 ICC Champions Trophy winning skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed. As reported by Geo News, Sarfaraz will now be overseeing the progress of Pakistan Shaheens and Pakistan Under-19 teams. The 38-year-old will also be required to monitor the performance of coaches of both junior teams, apart from overseeing their tours.
One of the immediate tasks of Sarfaraz Ahmed will be to examine the progress of the Pakistan Under-19 team ahead of next year’s 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Daryl Mitchell doubtful for NZ vs WI ODI series
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is a doubtful starter for the remainder of New Zealand’s ongoing home ODI series against the visiting West Indies team. The cricketer struck a belligerent 119 in the first ODI match in Christchurch to engineer New Zealand’s thrilling seven-run win. However, the 34-year-old also picked up a groin strain during his match-winning century, thus putting him at risk for the remaining two matches of the series.
The second ODI of the series will be played at the McLean Park in Napier on Wednesday, November 19.
