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 ESPNcricinfo.
This means that of the 45 centrally contracted Sri Lanka players, only 24 have so far passed the test. The reasons for players not yet undergoing the fitness tests include injuries and logistical difficulties. However, the status of Hasaranga and Pathirana remains significant in the context of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, as they are scheduled to play for Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants respectively.
Hasaranga, who is dealing with a left hamstring injury, faces uncertainty over his fitness test, as he has not requested a No Objection Certificate. Pathirana, meanwhile, who suffered a calf strain during the T20 World Cup 2026, has begun 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 Sri Lanka Cricket-mandated fitness test, it is expected within the coming week.
Ahead of the IPL 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket had stated that players seeking to take part in the tournament would receive a No Objection Certificate only after passing the mandatory Physical Performance Test.
Sri Lanka Cricket said that players who have requested to participate in the Indian Premier League 2026 would be issued a No Objection Certificate only upon successfully passing the mandatory Physical Performance Test.
At present, Sri Lanka Cricket is conducting an eight-week specialised physical training programme for all nationally contracted players. The initiative seeks to improve physical performance standards in preparation for upcoming international assignments. Alongside this programme, players are also undergoing mandatory physical performance tests as part of routine fitness checks.
Sri Lanka Cricket further stated that only those meeting the required standards in the physical performance tests would be cleared to take part in domestic tournaments and granted a No Objection Certificate for IPL 2026.
