The Asia Cup 2025 has been marked by a tragic event. Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage is mourning the loss of his father, who died on September 18th in Abu Dhabi. The news brought sorrow to the entire team after the match.
Sri Lanka’s emerging cricketer Dunith Wellalage has been struck by a personal tragedy. His father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away on the same day Dunith was playing against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka won the match and qualified for the Super Four stage. Dunith Wellalage played in the match but was informed of his father’s death after the game, leaving him heartbroken.
After the event, Dunith Wellalage returned home. There is now uncertainty about his participation in the remaining Asia Cup matches. Sri Lanka is set to compete against strong teams like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India in the Super Four, and Wellalage’s absence could present a challenge for the team.
The cause of the father’s death has not been officially revealed. Some reports have connected it to the match’s events, highlighting that Mohammad Nabi hit five sixes in the final over bowled by Dunith Wellalage. According to some reports, Dunith Wellalage’s father suffered a heart attack after that over. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has not yet provided an official update.
A video circulating online shows Sri Lanka’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager informing Dunith Wellalage about the death of his father right after the match. Mohammad Nabi was also surprised when reporters told him about the tragedy.