Big update: Only 3 Sri Lankan players get NOC for Indian Premier League 2026

Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) can get a series of blows as multiple Sri Lankan stars are doubtful to take part in the tournament. Whilst most of the talks have been around the injured pacer Matheesha Pathirana, a few other Lankan internationals are also currently uncertain for IPL 2026 after fresh mandates are issued by the Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sri Lanka Cricket sets a bar for all of its players who are set to play in the 2026 Indian Premier League. As of now, only three Sri Lankan international cricketers have received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the board for the franchise league. 

Which Sri Lankan players received NOCs for IPL 2026

In a media release, published on March 20, the players, who are seeking NOCs to participate in the IPL 2026, will have to prove their fitness levels only through the board’s mandatory Physical Performance Test.

“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that players seeking to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will only be granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after successfully passing the board’s mandatory Physical Performance Test,” the cricket board informed.

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“As part of this program, players are required to undergo standard physical performance tests to ensure they meet the expected fitness benchmarks. Only those who achieve the required standards will be cleared to compete in domestic tournaments and be eligible for an NOC to participate in IPL 2026,” the official statement further reads.

The press release informed that Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have completed the required tests and have been granted NOCs ahead of IPL 2026.

Other Lankan cricketers- Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana- who are expected to play in the league, have yet to undergo testing. The board will only allow them to feature in the tournament if they manage to clear the fitness Test.

“So far, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have successfully completed the required tests and have been granted NOCs,” Sri Lanka Cricket informed. 

“Meanwhile, Nuwan Thushara’s eligibility remains pending until he completes his Physical Performance Test. Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana have requested NOCs but have yet to undergo testing as they continue their rehabilitation from injuries. They will complete the required tests once their recovery programs are finished,” the board said as the conclusion of the statement.

List of Sri Lankan players in the IPL 2026:

Impact on Indian Premier League teams ahead of the 2026 season

The latest decision of the Sri Lanka cricket board can be a major flow of the upcoming Indian Premier League, which is scheduled to start on March 28. Without the presence of multiple renowned overseas cricketers, the league will surely lose some major talents.

Teams that are invested in the Island nation players will also have to rethink their strategies if their respective Sri Lankan cricketer(s) fail to prove their fitness to their cricket board.