Wanindu Hasaranga Awaits NOC for IPL 2026 Amid Fitness Concerns
Hasaranga's Wait for NOC
Wanindu Hasaranga, the spin bowling all-rounder from Sri Lanka, is still awaiting his non-objection certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket to participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which kicks off on March 28.
Signed by the Lucknow Super Giants, Hasaranga has been sidelined since February due to a left hamstring injury sustained during a T20 World Cup match against Ireland, which ultimately led to his exit from the tournament. He is expected to return for IPL 2026, pending the NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket.
Fitness Tests and NOC Updates
Reports indicate that Sri Lanka has granted NOCs to players like Pathum Nissanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Kamindu Mendis after they successfully passed their fitness evaluations. However, Hasaranga, along with Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thusara, and Eshan Malinga, must complete their physical performance assessments before receiving their NOCs for IPL 2026.
Also Read: SLC makes fitness test mandatory for players to get NOC for IPL 2026
Hasaranga's Frustration with Sri Lanka Cricket
As he awaits the NOC, Hasaranga seems to have expressed his frustration indirectly towards Sri Lanka Cricket regarding the delay. He recently shared a post on Instagram showcasing his ICC awards, sarcastically labeling them as acknowledgments for his 'franchise performances.'
In his Instagram post, he stated, 'Look what I found today. These are the awards I received from ICC for my franchise performances.'
Potential Delay in IPL 2026 Matches
With Sri Lanka Cricket's NOC process underway, it is likely that Hasaranga may miss the initial matches of the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, which could postpone his much-anticipated return.
The franchise acquired Hasaranga for his base price of INR 2 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Dubai last December. Previously, he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals, with his highest bid being INR 10.75 crore from RCB in the 2022 auction, making him one of the priciest overseas players that season.
Impact on Lucknow Super Giants
Hasaranga was the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2022, claiming 26 wickets, including a five-wicket haul and a four-wicket performance, with an average of 16.53 and an economy rate of 7.54 across 16 matches. He missed IPL 2024 due to chronic heel pain, having been picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 1.5 crore but did not play.
If Hasaranga is unable to participate in the early matches of IPL 2026, the Lucknow Super Giants may face challenges in their spin department, necessitating alternative options to fill his role, which is crucial for both middle overs bowling and lower-order batting.
Looking Ahead
As the Lucknow Super Giants prepare to start their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1, the franchise hopes that Hasaranga can clear his fitness tests promptly to join the squad, thereby enhancing their spin and all-round balance for the vital early matches.
Also Read: IPL 2026: How Much Dasun Shanaka Earns After Leaving PSL for Rajasthan Royals? Check Out Here