Sri Lanka Cricket Updates on Fitness Tests Ahead of IPL 2026

Fitness Tests for Sri Lankan Players Ahead of IPL

Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 6: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has revealed that Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are part of the 15 centrally contracted players who have yet to complete their mandatory fitness assessments. Meanwhile, six players have not passed at least one of their attempts, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Currently, only 24 out of 45 centrally contracted players have successfully passed the fitness tests. The delays for some players are attributed to injuries and logistical issues. Hasaranga and Pathirana's fitness is particularly crucial as they are set to represent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Hasaranga is dealing with a left hamstring injury, which raises doubts about his ability to take the fitness test, especially since he has not applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Pathirana, who experienced a calf strain during the T20 World Cup 2026, has resumed bowling in the nets and is expected to join the IPL in India by mid-April. Although a specific date for his fitness test mandated by SLC has not been announced, it is anticipated to occur within the next week.

In preparation for IPL 2026, SLC has stated that players wishing to participate must first pass the Physical Performance Test to receive an NOC.

“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announces that players who have requested to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will only be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) upon successfully passing SLC’s mandatory Physical Performance Test,” the SLC stated.

Currently, SLC is implementing an eight-week specialized physical training program for all nationally contracted players, aimed at improving their physical performance in anticipation of upcoming international competitions. This program includes the mandatory physical performance tests, a standard procedure to evaluate player fitness,” SLC added.

Players who meet the necessary standards will be eligible for domestic tournaments and will receive an NOC for the IPL, as confirmed by SLC.

“Only those who successfully meet the required standards of the physical performance tests will be cleared to participate in the ongoing domestic tournament and granted an NOC to take part in IPL 2026,” the SLC statement concluded.