Naseem Shah consoles Dunith Wellalage for father's demise, recalls own grief

KARACHI: Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Naseem Shah on Friday expressed empathy with Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage, who lost his father during their ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 match against Afghanistan.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Naseem shared pictures of the Sri Lankan spinner with his late father, with a caption, “I can feel your pain, stay strong brother.”

Naseem, who has represented Pakistan in 20 Tests, 30 ODIs and as many T20Is, lost his mother just one day before his Test debut in 2019, which came in Brisbane against Australia.

For the unversed, Wellalage, who was representing Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, lost his father due to a heart attack.

The left-arm spinner had to rush back to Sri Lanka on Thursday following the sudden death of his father, Suranga Wellalage.

The 22-year-old learnt of his father’s demise shortly after Sri Lanka’s six-wicket victory over Afghanistan, which propelled them, alongside Bangladesh, into the Super Four.

Since Wellalage had travelled back to Sri Lanka to offer the final rituals for his father, there was uncertainty regarding his availability for the upcoming Super Four matches, especially for their Saturday game against Bangladesh.

However, the SLC has now confirmed that Wellalage will be available for their Super Four campaign opener as he is set to rejoin the team on Saturday morning.

“Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning,” the SLC said in a statement.

“He will travel to the UAE tonight accompanied by Team Manager Mahinda Halangode.

“Sri Lanka will begin its Super Four stage campaign of the ongoing tournament tomorrow against Bangladesh in the UAE. Wellalage will be available for selection for the game.”