Dunith Wellalage Flies Home After Father’s Death, Set to Miss Super Fours in Asia Cup 2025

Sri Lanka’s young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has left the Asia Cup midway after the sudden passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage. His father, a cricketer himself, suffered a fatal heart attack on Thursday night at the age of 54.

The 22-year-old was part of Sri Lanka’s win against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on the same day. He bowled four overs, picking up the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran, before learning the devastating news from head coach Sanath Jayasuriya after the match. Wellalage took the earliest flight back to Colombo.

With Sri Lanka set to face Bangladesh on Saturday in the Super Four stage, followed by Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26, his return appears unlikely.

For now, it is almost certain that he will miss the Bangladesh clash. The team management has not yet announced whether a replacement will be named.

The cricket community has rallied around Wellalage. Former Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong Dunith, the whole nation stands with you.”

Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi, who struck him for five sixes in the same match, also offered his support:

“Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother.”