Hasaranga, Pathirana Among Players Awaiting Fitness Nod Before IPL 2026

Cricket

oi-Gaurav Sharma

With IPL 2026 approaching, Sri Lankan players are under the spotlight as Sri Lanka Cricket has made fitness clearance compulsory before allowing them to participate.

Several key players are yet to receive No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), making their IPL participation uncertain for now. Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga are still recovering from injuries and have not undergone the required fitness tests. Their availability will depend on how quickly they clear these assessments.

Similarly, Nuwan Thushara will also need to pass a physical performance test before being granted permission to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

On the other hand, a few Sri Lankan players have already cleared the hurdle and joined their respective teams. Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka are now part of Delhi Capitals, while Kamindu Mendis has linked up with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The new rule reflects SLC’s cautious approach, especially with multiple players coming back from injuries sustained around the T20 World Cup. With no international matches scheduled until May, the board is prioritising recovery and conditioning through an ongoing training programme.

For Sri Lankan players, this means IPL 2026 will not just be about performance, but first about proving match fitness before stepping onto the field.