Sri Lanka has introduced a strict rule that NOCs for IPL 2026 will not be issued if players fail a fitness test. SLC is running the physical performance test in an eight-week specialized national training program designed to raise and determine the fitness levels of players ahead of upcoming international assignments.
The physical performance test includes several components, among them a 2km sprint. The initiative is understood to have been driven by the new national men’s selection committee, led by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, in coordination with the Sports Ministry of the Sri Lankan government.
SLC’s Fitness-First Policy: What It Means and Why It Exists
“At present, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialized physical training program for all nationally contracted players,” the board release stated.
“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. 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.”
Sri Lanka is not scheduled to play another men’s international until at least the end of May. This gap of time was set as an opportunity to build a serious fitness baseline across the squad.
The ones behind the decision are reportedly the new national men’s selection committee, which is led by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, and the Sports Ministry of the Sri Lankan government.
Who Has Been Cleared
SLC has granted NOCs to only four players until now: Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka (both Delhi Capitals), Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad), and Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad).
Players’ Injuries Cast Shadow on IPL Starts
Four Sri Lankan players, out of seven assigned for IPL 2026, got hurt — Malinga, Hasaranga, Pathiranana, and Thushara. Some during and one before the T20 World Cup 2026.
Malinga got injured on February 1 during his T20I match, the Sri Lanka Vs England. Eshan has already received the NOC from SLC as he passed the fitness test.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana both got hurt during the T20 World Cup 2026 matches. Hasaranga tore his left hamstring while Pathirana strained his left calf. Hasaranga has not yet taken the fitness test.
Pathirana is almost fully recovered. He is set to play the latter games of IPL 2026 and miss the first few games. His team, KKR, is willing to wait for his full recovery until he can pass the testa nd join them.
Nuwan Thushara broke his left thumb. He missed the T20 World Cup 2026 because of it. He can play in IPL 2026 if he passes his fitness test.
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IPL 2026 Opener: RCB vs SRH on March 28
The IPL 2026 season starts on Saturday, 28 March 2026.
The opening match is going to be between Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the title holders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
For RCB, the absence of Nuwan Thushara in the opening game is a real possibility. For SRH and LSG, the situations around Malinga and Hasaranga remain fluid. KKR appears to be the franchise most affected by timing. Pathirana’s mid-April return date means they will need to plan their bowling options carefully for the first phase of the tournament.
What is clear is that SLC is not making exceptions, regardless of how close the tournament start is. The fitness-first policy applies to everyone, and the board has been consistent in its communication. Whether the remaining players can clear their tests in time to participate in the opening week will be known in the days immediately ahead.
For more IPL 2026 updates, follow Jeetwin Sports.
