Kamal Ghorui
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that its players will only be allowed to participate in IPL 2026 after successfully completing mandatory physical performance tests. The board confirmed that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be issued strictly based on players meeting the required fitness standards.“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.
“Accordingly, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, who have successfully completed their physical performance tests, have been issued NOCs to participate in the IPL. Nuwan Thushara’s eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his Physical Performance Test.“Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the Physical Performance Test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained. The respective players will undergo the tests upon completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programs,” said SLC in a statement on Friday.With IPL 2026 to begin on March 28, Chameera and Nissanka will now link up with Delhi Capitals, while Mendis will join Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pathirana, who is to turn out for Kolkata Knight Riders, has been on the sidelines after a hamstring injury ruled him out of Sri Lanka’s campaign in the mid-way of 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants), Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad), and Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) also missed the World Cup at various stages due to injuries to hamstring, shoulder and broken left thumb.“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that players who have requested to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) only upon successfully passing SLC’s mandatory Physical Performance Test.“At present, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialized physical training program for all nationally contracted players. This initiative aims to enhance players’ physical performance standards in preparation for upcoming international assignments.“Along with this program, players are also undergoing the mandatory physical performance tests, a routine process followed to check the fitness standards of the players,” added SLC.The board added that these tests are part of a routine process to monitor and maintain player fitness at the highest level.
