Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are among 15 Sri Lankan players under central contracts yet to partake in mandatory fitness tests, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed, while six others are understood to have failed at least one attempt. This means that of the 45 centrally contracted players, currently only 24 have passed the test.
The reasons for those yet to be tested vary, from injuries to logistical issues. But of those, the timelines surrounding Hasaranga and Pathirana remain most pertinent, with the pair set to represent Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively in IPL 2026.
Hasaranga’s scenario looks the most bleak with a source at SLC stating that “Hasaranga has not as yet requested for an NOC (No Objection Certificate).” The 28-year-old leggie has been injured since sustaining a left hamstring tear in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February, and there is no clear idea on when he will undergo his fitness evaluation.
Pathirana, who was also injured during the tournament - suffering a calf strain in the match against Australia - is understood to have begun bowling in the nets as he ups his recovery, with sources close to the player hopeful of him being in India for the IPL by mid-April. While no date has yet been officially set for his SLC-mandated fitness test, this indicates that it is likely to take place in the next week.
SLCs overhauling of their fitness culture has also extended to the domestic National Super League tournament, which began on Monday. The testing for that is less stringent; players only need to complete a 2km run and a skinfold test. No points are allocated, they simply need to cross the minimum threshold. Whereas centrally-contracted players have a 20m sprint, a 5-0-5 agility test, and a Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) - each offering points ranging from one to five each - with a potential seven points each up for grabs in the 2km run and skinfold test. Seventeen out of 29 points is needed to pass the test.
Of the 87 players taking part in the tournament, 23 have failed to clear the minimum fitness requirements and have been given an April 19 deadline to pass the test. If they fail to do so, while they will be allowed to continue playing they will be denied their match fees, with future representation in the tournament also likely to come under scrutiny.
Source: Espncricinfo
-- Agencies
