Injured Sri Lankan stars must pass mandatory fitness tests to secure NOCs for IPL participation

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Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are among 15 centrally contracted players who are yet to complete the mandatory fitness tests set by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), raising doubts over their availability for IPL 2026.

According to SLC, only 24 out of 45 centrally contracted players have successfully cleared the fitness benchmarks so far, while six players have already failed at least one attempt. The remaining players are yet to undergo testing due to injuries and logistical challenges.

The fitness status of Hasaranga and Pathirana is particularly crucial, as both players are expected to feature in IPL 2026—Hasaranga for Lucknow Super Giants and Pathirana for Kolkata Knight Riders. Clearance in these tests is mandatory for obtaining the No Objection Certificate (NOC), without which players cannot participate in the IPL.

Hasaranga’s situation appears uncertain. The leg-spinner has been sidelined since suffering a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February. Reports suggest he is unlikely to return to action anytime soon, and he has not yet applied for an NOC.

In contrast, Pathirana is progressing in his recovery after sustaining a calf strain during a World Cup match against Australia. He has resumed bowling in the nets, and sources indicate he could travel to India by mid-April. His fitness test is expected to take place in the coming week.

SLC’s renewed focus on fitness standards extends beyond international players to domestic cricket as well. In the ongoing National Super League, players are required to meet minimum fitness benchmarks, including a 2km run and skin-fold test.

For centrally contracted players, the criteria are more demanding. The fitness assessment includes a 20m sprint, 5-0-5 agility test, Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), along with endurance and body composition tests. Players must score at least 17 out of a possible 29 points to pass.

Out of 87 participants in the National Super League, 23 players have failed to meet the required standards and have been given until April 19 to qualify. While they can continue playing matches, failure to pass the test will result in loss of match fees and may impact their future selection.

With IPL 2026 approaching, all eyes remain on Hasaranga and Pathirana as they race against time to meet SLC’s fitness requirements and secure their participation.