Sri Lanka Cricket mandates that only players who clear a rigorous eight week fitness program will receive No Objection Certificates for IPL 2026, with just three cricketers qualifying so far.
Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that only players who successfully pass the Physical Performance Test will be granted a No Objection Certificate to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League. The decision underscores the board’s firm commitment to maintaining high fitness standards across all national players.
The cricket board announced that a specialized eight week physical training program is currently underway for all national players. Alongside this program, participants will also undergo a mandatory physical fitness test, a standard procedure designed to assess and ensure player fitness levels.
According to the cricket board, only those players who clear the fitness test will be permitted to compete in ongoing domestic tournaments as well as the upcoming IPL. As a result of this policy, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamidu Mendis have successfully passed the fitness test and have been granted permission to play in the IPL.
The participation of Nuwan Thushara remains conditional, pending the outcome of his fitness assessment.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana have not yet undergone the fitness test, as they are currently undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries. These three players will be tested once their rehabilitation programs are completed. The Indian Premier League is scheduled to commence on the 28th.
