Sri Lanka Cricket explained that Matheesha Pathirana is yet to receive NOC for IPL 2026 as he has not completed the mandatory fitness tests.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has made physical performance clearance compulsory for all players seeking participation in the IPL 2026 season. The board has approved Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis for the tournament after they cleared mandatory fitness tests.
Chameera and Nissanka will join the Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season. Mendis will continue with Sunrisers Hyderabad. The approvals follow successful completion of required assessments.
The board is also running an 8-week training programme for centrally contracted players. The initiative focuses on improving fitness levels ahead of international assignments. Only players who meet the set standards receive clearance for overseas leagues. Based on current evaluations, only Chameera, Nissanka and Mendis have secured permission to feature in IPL 2026.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that players who have requested to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be issued only upon successfully passing SLC’s mandatory Physical Performance Test,” SLC stated.
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Four Sri Lanka Players Await Final Approval
Meanwhile, Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga and Matheesha Pathirana are yet to receive their NOC.
Thushara’s eligibility will depend on the outcome of his physical performance test. Hasaranga, Malinga and Pathirana have not completed the required tests so far. All four players are currently recovering from injuries. They remain under rehabilitation programmes before returning to full fitness. The board will conduct assessments once their recovery is complete.
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