IPL 2026: Major update on Matheesha Pathirana & Wanindu Hasaranga’s availability for KKR & LSG
Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga have been out of action since T20 World Cup 2026 due to injuries.
The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is all set to begin from 28th March. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) open the tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
With franchises finalising squads and overseas stars preparing to travel, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have stepped in with a firm fitness policy that now directly threatens the availability of three of their biggest names for this season.
SLC have taken a big decision on the status of their players bound for IPL 2026 season in India. The SLC announced that the players who are requesting the NOC for the IPL 2026 season must first clear their mandatory physical performance tests.
Matheesha Pathirana & Wanindu Hasaranga yet to clear fitness tests before IPL 2026
Wanindnu Hasaranga, Ehsan Malinga, and Matheesa Pathirana have still not cleared that test. They are currently undergoing rehabilitation and are in doubt for the IPL 2026 season.
All three players formally requested NOCs to feature in IPL 2026. However, SLC confirmed that their Physical Performance Tests remain pending due to injuries they picked up during T20 World Cup 2026. The board stated that rehabilitation must reach completion before officials can schedule these assessments. For now, all three remain in a holding position with no fixed date confirmed.
Hasaranga secured a contract with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the IPL 2026 auction for ₹2 crore. He suffered a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup 2026. Matheesha Pathirana is part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad, though he remains in rehabilitation and has not yet joined his IPL side, raising concerns about his early-season participation.
Eshan Malinga, retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹1.2 crore, faces a race against time after suffering a dislocated shoulder and may miss the opening stage of the tournament entirely.
SLC currently runs an eight-week specialised physical training programme for all nationally contracted players. This programme ties directly into the fitness testing process. Players who pass the mandatory tests receive clearance for both domestic tournaments and international franchise leagues. Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have already cleared their tests and secured NOCs. Nuwan Thushara’s clearance depends on his upcoming results.
Why have Hasaranga, Malinga, and Pathirana not received their IPL 2026 NOCs yet?
SLC have withheld their NOCs because all three players are still completing injury rehabilitation and have not yet undergone the mandatory Physical Performance Test.
Which Sri Lankan players have already received NOCs for IPL 2026?
Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have cleared their Physical Performance Tests and received their NOCs, while Nuwan Thushara’s clearance awaits his test results.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.