No NOC without passing fitness test, Sri Lanka Cricket tightens rules ahead of IPL

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a strict decision making fitness tests mandatory for players who wish to participate in franchise leagues. As a result, the participation of several Sri Lankan players in IPL 2026 now depends on passing this assessment.

Players such as Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants), Nuwan Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders) and Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad) are set to feature in the IPL. However, they must first pass the designated “physical performance test” to obtain the required NOC.

Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka (both Delhi Capitals), along with Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad), have already cleared the test and received approval to participate in the IPL.

In an official statement, the board said that Nuwan Thushara’s NOC will depend on the outcome of his fitness test. Hasaranga, Malinga and Pathirana are yet to undergo the test as they are currently in rehabilitation recovering from injuries.

All three sustained injuries either before or during the T20 World Cup. Among them, Pathirana is set to miss the start of the IPL and is expected to join his team in mid-April.

This renewed emphasis on fitness has been driven by the new national selection committee led by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, along with directives from the country’s Sports Ministry. With no international matches scheduled until at least the end of May, this period has been designated as a special training block to improve players’ fitness levels.

SLC is currently conducting an eight-week specialized fitness program for centrally contracted players. As part of this initiative, mandatory physical performance tests are being carried out, which include multiple assessments such as a 2km run.

The board has made it clear that only those who meet the required standards in these tests will be allowed to participate in domestic competitions and be granted NOCs for franchise leagues, including IPL 2026.

The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 28.