Hasaranga, Pathirana and Malinga yet to get clearance by SLC for IPL
The IPL participation of Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga and in the balance as they are yet to complete their rehabilitation programmes due to injuries.
Wanindu Hasaranga
Malinga dislocated his left shoulder during the England series played prior to the T20 World Cup in February and his expected date of return to play is on March 25. He has to go through the mandatory physical performance test to obtain the No Objection Certificate (NOC) required to join his IPL team Sunrises Hyderabad.
Hasaranga, who suffered a hamstring injury during the recent T20 World Cup, requiring 4-6 weeks of rehabilitation, could do the test this week. His expected date of return to play according to sources is March 27. Hasaranga is part of the Lucknow Super Giants team. Hasaranga has battled injury for several years now, including a foot complaint.
Pathirana, one of the most expensive buying of this season fetching nearly USD 2 million at the auction, is certain to miss at least three weeks of play as his expected return to play is between April 16 and 30. He has to be cleared by the physio before taking up the physical test. Pathirana plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, his first season with the franchise.
Nuwan Thushara’s eligibility to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his Physical Performance Test. He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The respective players will undergo the tests upon completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programmes.
Eshan Malinga
“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,” SLC said in a statement.
The new selection committee led by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, together with the Sports Ministry, has placed a strong focus on fitness. With no men’s internationals until at least the end of May, this period has been set aside as a training block for contracted players to improve their standards. The fitness test is understood to include five components, including a 2km sprint.
“At present, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialised physical training programme for all nationally contracted players,” the release added.
“This initiative aims to enhance players’ physical performance standards in preparation for upcoming international assignments. Along with this programme, players are also undergoing the mandatory physical performance tests, a routine process followed to check the fitness standards of the players.
However, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have already obtained NOC’s after successfully passing their mandatory physical performance tests. Pacer Chameera and opener Nissanka are set to join Delhi Capitals, while all-rounder Mendis will play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The IPL starts on next Saturday.
Matheesha Pathirana