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Hasaranga, Pathirana Among 15 Sri Lanka Stars Yet to Pass Fitness Tests

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that 15 of its 45 centrally contracted players, including key IPL-bound stars Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, have yet to take mandatory fitness tests. Only 24 players have currently passed, with six others having failed at least one attempt. Hasaranga's participation is uncertain due to a hamstring injury, while Pathirana, recovering from a calf strain, could join the IPL by mid-April. SLC has made it clear that No Objection Certificates for the IPL will only be issued after players successfully pass the physical performance test.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Cricket Fitness Test Delays for IPL-Bound Players

  • 15 contracted players yet to take test
  • Only 24 of 45 have passed
  • NOC for IPL contingent on fitness
  • Hasaranga hampered by hamstring injury
2 min read

Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana yet to take SLC-mandated fitness tests

Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana among 15 players yet to take SLC fitness tests, impacting their IPL 2026 participation status.

"players... will be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) only upon successfully passing SLC's mandatory Physical Performance Test - Sri Lanka Cricket"

Colombo, April 6

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are among 15 centrally contracted players who have yet to take the mandatory fitness tests, while six others have failed at least one attempt, according to ESPNcrcinfo.

This means that out of the 45 centrally contracted Sri Lanka players, only 24 have currently passed the test. The reasons for players yet to undergo the fitness tests range from injuries to logistical challenges. However, Hasaranga and Pathirana's status remain key in the context of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as they are scheduled to play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), respectively.

Hasaranga, dealing with a left hamstring injury, faces uncertainty over his fitness test, as he has not requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Pathirana, on the other hand, who suffered a calf strain during the T20 World Cup 2026, has started bowling in the nets. According to the report, he could join the IPL in India by mid-April. Although no official date has been set for his SLC-mandated fitness test, it is expected to take place within the coming week.

Ahead of the IPL 2026, SLC had announced that players who have requested to participate in the IPL will be issued an NOC only upon successfully passing SLC's mandatory Physical Performance Test.

"Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that players who have requested to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) only upon successfully passing SLC's mandatory Physical Performance Test," a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket read.

"At present, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialised physical training program for all nationally contracted players. 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," the SCL said further.

Players who meet the required standards will be cleared for domestic tournaments and issued a No Objection Certificate for the IPL, SLC had announced.

"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 SLC statement said further.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an LSG fan, I'm really worried about Pathirana. His bowling action is unique and puts a lot of stress on his body. A calf strain is serious. SLC should not rush him just for the IPL. His long-term career for Sri Lanka is more important than a few league matches.
A
Arjun K
This is a tricky situation. On one hand, the IPL is a massive opportunity for these players financially. On the other, their national board has every right to ensure they are fit to represent their country. 15 players haven't even taken the test? That seems like poor planning from both the players and SLC's management.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think the focus is a bit misplaced. The article says only 24 out of 45 have passed. That's a failure rate of nearly 50% for the national team? That's the bigger story. It points to a systemic fitness issue in Sri Lankan cricket that needs addressing beyond just the IPL NOC drama.
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Vikram M
IPL franchises pay big money. They won't be happy if their key overseas signings are stuck because of fitness tests. But rules are rules. BCCI would do the same if an Indian player was unfit. Hope they sort it out quickly. KKR really needs Hasaranga's spin in the middle overs!
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Kavya N
The "logistical challenges" reason is interesting. If you're a professional athlete with a central contract, taking a fitness test should be your top priority, no? It feels like some players are prioritizing the IPL over their national duties. S

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