IPL 2026: Hasaranga doubtful, Pathirana likely but neither has taken SLC fitness tests

The IPL 2026 is into its second week and some teams are still awaiting players to join their squads. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still without Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, respectively, as the duo are yet to appear for the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) mandated fitness tests and obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) based on their positive outcomes.

Hasaranga is currently injured having suffered a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka's first clash of the T20 World Cup against Ireland. As per reports, the leg spinner's status does not inspire confidence and sources believe Hasaranga would not be able to play in the near future. An SLC source disclosed that the 28-year-old has not requested for an NOC and it is not known when the all-rounder would undergo the fitness tests.

Pathirana, on the other hand, strained his calf during the team's third league match against Australia and was ruled out of the tournament like Hasaranga. However, the fast bowler's status is different as Pathirana is learnt to have been bowling in the nets with sources suggesting he might be available for KKR by mid-April, reported ESPNcricinfo. However, when Pathirana would appear for the fitness tests is not clear yet.

As a matter of fact, out of the 45 centrally contracted players, 24 have cleared the tests, six have failed at least one of the tests while 15 are yet to undergo them. Some of the players who have passed the evaluations and are part of the IPL squads are Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera (DC), Kamindu Mendis and Eshan Malinga (SRH), and Dasun Shanaka (RR).

Notably, Nuwan Thushara (RCB) was denied the NOC recently and the player took the SLC to court. Reportedly, the right-armer failed to achieve the minimum score of 17 out of 19 across the five categories. Thushara argued that since his contract with SLC expires on March 31, 2026 and he does not intend to renew it, the board thus cannot restrict him from playing in domestic leagues abroad.