Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sent a clear message ahead of IPL 2026. The board introduced a mandatory physical performance test for all nationally contracted players seeking No Objection Certificates. Officials confirmed that stars like Wanindu Hasaranga, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga should arrive in India over the coming weeks.
Sri Lanka Grants NOCs to Seven IPL 2026 Players But Fitness Comes First
SLC refused to issue clearances freely. Instead, the board decided it would only grant an NOC to players who met specific fitness benchmarks. This move ensures players are physically prepared for a long tournament. It also protects their long-term health for national duties.
The board is currently running an eight-week specialised physical training programme for all contracted players. This scheme builds performance standards ahead of upcoming international assignments. Pramodya Wickramasinghe leads the new national men's selection committee. His team acted as the main force behind this new fitness requirement. Sri Lanka has no international fixtures until May. Therefore, the board treated this window as a structured preparation period rather than a free pass to franchise cricket.
Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis passed their physical tests. They received NOCs to play in IPL 2026. Chameera and Nissanka are heading to the Delhi Capitals. Mendis will join Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dasun Shanaka also cleared the requirements to join the Rajasthan Royals. Meanwhile, Eshan Malinga received approval to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad. This brought the tally of cleared Sri Lankan players to at least five. Wickramasinghe himself is also part of the IPL contingent.
Hasaranga and Pathirana did not complete their fitness tests on 23 March. This caused a potential delay in their clearances. Hasaranga suffered a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland. He has remained out of action since then. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar indicated the franchise expects Pathirana to be available around mid-April. Lucknow Super Giants have not yet received official word regarding Hasaranga's availability.
Nuwan Thushara's clearance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru depended on his physical test result. This left his participation uncertain. This approach shows how the board now handles the balance between franchise deals and national interest. Cricket boards across South Asia are still trying to figure out this balance. The IPL 2026 season starts on 28 March. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener.
