New Delhi, (UNI) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made it mandatory for its players to clear fitness tests before being granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, which begins on March 28.
The decision comes amid injury concerns surrounding several Sri Lankan cricketers who have been picked by different IPL franchises and are currently recovering from fitness issues.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the fitness assessments are scheduled to take place early next week in Colombo, and only players who meet the required standards will be cleared to participate in the tournament.
Among the notable names awaiting approval are pacer Matheesha Pathirana of Kolkata Knight Riders, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga of Lucknow Super Giants, left-arm fast bowler Eshan Malinga from Sunrisers Hyderabad, and pacer Nuwan Thushara, who is part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
A total of seven Sri Lankan players have been selected for the upcoming IPL season. The others include Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka, both representing Delhi Capitals, as well as Kamindu Mendis of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Franchise officials have indicated that they are awaiting updates from SLC regarding the fitness status of these players once the tests are completed.
“There are fitness tests scheduled by SLC on Monday and Tuesday, and we will know about their players only after that,” officials of multiple IPL franchises said to Cricbuzz.
Several players, including Pathirana, Hasaranga, Malinga and Thushara, had either partially or completely missed the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to injuries.
Hasaranga, in particular, has been sidelined since February 8 after suffering a left hamstring strain during a match against Ireland. Pathirana had featured in three matches of the tournament before being ruled out. UNI TIB SSP
Injury-hit Sri Lanka stars await SLC clearance for IPL
