Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that its players will only be allowed to participate in IPL 2026 after successfully completing the mandatory physical performance tests. The board confirmed that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be issued strictly on the basis of players meeting the required fitness standards.“Only those who successfully meet the required standards in the physical performance tests will be allowed to participate in the ongoing national tournament and will also be given an NOC to participate in the IPL 2026.
“Accordingly, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis, who have successfully completed their physical performance tests, have been granted NOC to participate in the IPL. Nuwan Untilhara’s eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL will be subject to the result of his physical performance test.“Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga and Matheesha Pathirana, who have applied to the NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the physical performance test as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from the injuries sustained. The respective players will undergo the tests after completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programmes,” the SLC said in a statement on Friday.With IPL 2026 set to begin on March 28, Chameera and Nissanka will now join Delhi Capitals, while Mendis will join Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pathirana, who will play for Kolkata Knight Riders, has been on the sidelines after a hamstring injury ruled him out of Sri Lanka’s campaign midway through the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants), Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Untilhara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) also missed the World Cup at various stages due to hamstring, shoulder injuries and a fracture in the left thumb.“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) would like to announce that players who have applied to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) only after successfully passing the SLC mandatory physical performance test.“Currently, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialized physical training program for all nationally contracted players. This initiative aims to improve the physical performance standards of players in preparation for upcoming international assignments.“Along with this programme, players also undergo mandatory physical performance testing, a routine process followed to check the fitness level of the players,” SLC added.The board added that these tests are part of a routine process to monitor and maintain the physical condition of the players at the highest level.
