Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, Wanindu Hasaranga must pass fitness tests to play IPL 2026, confirms Ashley de Silva

IPL 2026 is close to beginning, while the foreign cricketers are set to join the teams. Here we come with a crucial update about Sri Lankan cricketers' availability, including the players who have fitness issues.  

Sri Lanka just completed hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, along with India, where the Lankans fought hard despite some important injuries during the tournament. Now, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has come up with the decisions about the availability of the players for the IPL 2026.

A total of seven players have been signed by the IPL franchises for the IPL 2026. According to a latest report, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dushmantha Chameera have already been granted NOC for the IPL 2026. Nuwan Thushara is also expected to join his IPL 2026 side. 

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Why Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Wanindu Hasaranga face fitness checks before IPL

Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Wanindu Hasaranga are busy proving their fitness. All three Sri Lankan cricketers were ruled out of the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 due to injuries. 

What Ashley de Silva said on player availability

According to reports, the SLC CEO Ashley de Silva has clarified that Matheesha, Eshan, and Wanindu will only get NOC for the IPL 2025 if they pass the fitness tests. 

Impact on Indian Premier League 2026 teams and squad combinations

Before the IPL 2026 auction, four Lankan players were retained, who were Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals), Nuwan Thusara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Eshan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis (both for SunRisers Hyderabad). 

During the IPL 2026 auction, Wanindu Hasaranga was secured by Lucknow Super Giants, while Matheesha Pathirana and Pathum Nissanka were signed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, respectively. 

As SRH captain Pat Cummins is missing at least early in the IPL 2026, Eshan can get chances in the early stage of the tournament, at least as an Impact Sub. But his absence can make a significant impact on the SRH team.

On the other hand, Wanindu is a crucial name for the LSG, whose absence can make a huge impact on the franchise, as the team doesn't have any other strong spin-bowling name. 

As Harshit Rana is recovering after knee surgery, Matheesha Pathirana can play an impactful role. So KKR can't put him out comfortably as the pace-bowling line-up has already been disturbed for Rana's surely significant absence.