Sri Lanka Cricket has mandated its players to clear fitness tests in order to procure No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Several SL players like Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga among others, are a part of various franchises. The SLC’s directive to its players come just days before the start of IPL 2026, which is scheduled to begin from March 28.
Fitness tests must for SL players to take part in IPL 2026
As per ESPNCricinfo, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis have cleared the physical performance test and have secured NOCs to take part in IPL 2026. Players who are yet to take the test include Hasaranga (LSG), Pathirana (KKR), Thushara (RCB) and Eshan Malinga (SRH). All three were injured right before or during the T20 World Cup 2026 and are currently in rehabilitation.
“Nuwan Thushara’s eligibility for a NOC to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his physical performance test. Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the physical performance test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained,” a SLC released stated.
On Thursday, reports stated that Pathirana will be available to play for KKR only by mid-April, which means he is set to miss the first few games. Meanwhile, RCB will be heavily dependent on Thushara as Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the first few matches of IPL 2026 as he is still recovering from his injuries. The decision to make fitness tests mandatory for the contracted players has been taken by the new men’s selection committee and the Sports Ministry of the Sri Lankan government.
“This initiative aims to enhance players’ physical performance standards in preparation for upcoming international assignments. Along with this program, players are also undergoing the mandatory physical performance tests, a routine process followed to check the fitness standards of the players. Only those who successfully meet the required standards of the physical performance tests will be cleared to participate in the ongoing domestic tournament and also granted an NOC to take part in IPL 2026,” the release stated.
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