Kamal Ghorui
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has provided a crucial update ahead of the IPL 2026, clearing young pacer Eshan Malinga to participate in the tournament, while uncertainty continues over several other key Sri Lankan players. In a positive development for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Eshan Malinga has been granted the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) by SLC and is set to join the franchise ahead of the season opener.The 25-year-old right-arm pacer is expected to arrive in Hyderabad on March 24, linking up with the SRH squad alongside compatriot Kamindu Mendis, who had already received clearance earlier. This comes as a boost for SRH, who are preparing for their opening clash against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28.
Hasaranga and Pathirana still awaiting clearance
While Malinga’s situation has been resolved, there is still no immediate clarity on the participation of Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants) and Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders). Both players reportedly missed their scheduled fitness tests, which are mandatory for receiving NOCs from SLC. As a result, their arrival in India is expected to be delayed.Pathirana: Signed by KKR for Rs 18 crore, he is likely to miss early part of the season due to injury concerns, with the franchise willing to wait for his recovery rather than seeking a replacement.Hasaranga: Signed by SRH for Rs 2 crore, are still awaiting any official communication from SLC regarding his clearance.Another Sri Lankan pacer, Nuwan Thushara (RCB), remains in limbo. His NOC depends on the outcome of SLC’s physical performance test, and there is no confirmed update yet.
Why the delay? SLC’s strict fitness policy
SLC has implemented a strict policy for IPL participation, making it mandatory for players to pass physical performance tests before receiving NOCs. Several players, including Hasaranga and Pathirana, have been undergoing rehabilitation after injuries and are yet to complete these assessments.
Players already cleared
Meanwhile, some Sri Lankan players have successfully cleared the fitness requirements and will feature in IPL 2026, including:Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals)Pathum Nissanka (Delhi Capitals)Kamindu Mendis (SRH)Dasun Shanaka (Rajasthan Royals)
