Sri Lanka Cricket Sets Physical Performance Test Requirement for IPL 2026 Participation

Sri Lanka Cricket's New NOC Policy for IPL 2026

Colombo [Sri Lanka], March 20: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has declared that players wishing to take part in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) must first pass a mandatory Physical Performance Test to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

As the IPL 2026 approaches, with just over a week remaining, training camps for franchises are underway, but Sri Lankan players have yet to join their respective teams.

In a statement released on March 20, SLC emphasized that participation in IPL 2026 is contingent upon successfully completing the 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," the statement noted.

Currently, all players under national contracts are engaged in an eight-week specialized training program along with routine fitness assessments.

"At present, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialized 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 SLC explained.

Players who meet the established standards will be eligible for domestic competitions and will receive an NOC for the IPL.

"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 further elaborated.

As of now, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have successfully passed their tests and received NOCs. Nuwan Thushara's eligibility is pending based on his upcoming test results, while Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana are still in rehabilitation and will take the test once they recover.

"Accordingly, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, who have successfully completed their physical performance tests, have been issued NOCs to participate in the IPL. Nuwan Thushara's eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his Physical Performance Test," SLC stated.

"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. The respective players will undergo the tests upon completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programs," SLC added.

The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to commence on March 28, featuring the Royal Challengers Bengaluru against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.