Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that several high profile players are still waiting to complete their SLC mandatory fitness tests ahead of the upcoming T20 season. Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are among fifteen players who have not yet participated in the assessments required to secure their No Objection Certificates. This delay is causing worry for their respective Indian Premier League franchises as the tournament continues.

Currently, only 24 out of 45 centrally contracted players have successfully passed the evaluation process. Six other players are reported to have failed at least one of their attempts to meet the required standards. These results show the strict new approach being taken by the national board to make sure players are ready for the demands of professional cricket.

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Uncertainty for IPL 2026 Stars

The situations regarding Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are especially urgent for their Indian Premier League teams. Wanindu Hasaranga is currently signed with the Lucknow Super Giants while Matheesha Pathirana represents the Kolkata Knight Riders. Both players are dealing with injuries that occurred during the recent T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Wanindu Hasaranga suffered a left hamstring tear during the opening match against Ireland in February. A source at Sri Lanka Cricket stated that "Wanindu Hasaranga has not as yet requested for an NOC (No Objection Certificate)." There is currently no confirmed date for when he will be healthy enough to undergo his fitness evaluation.

Recovery Timelines for Key Bowlers

Matheesha Pathirana is in a slightly better position as he continues his recovery from a calf strain. He has reportedly started bowling in the nets again to build up his match fitness levels. There is hope from those close to the player that he could join the Kolkata Knight Riders in India by the middle of April.

His fitness test will likely take place within the next week if his recovery stays on track. If he passes, he will be cleared to travel and join his teammates in the ongoing tournament. Fans are eager to see if the young fast bowler can repeat his previous success on the big stage for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Strict Scoring for National Contracts

Sri Lanka Cricket has introduced a detailed scoring system for its centrally contracted players to improve overall physical standards. The players must complete a 20 meter sprint, an agility test, and a counter movement jump. Each of these specific drills offers points ranging from one to five based on the performance levels recorded.

Additionally, players can earn up to seven points each for their results in a 2 kilometer run and a skinfold test. To pass the overall assessment, a player needs to secure at least 17 out of the 29 possible points. This method makes sure that players have balanced physical capabilities before they are cleared for international duties or foreign leagues. For more information on player fitness standards, visit the ICC Official Website.

Domestic Standards and Deadlines

The new fitness culture has also been applied to the National Super League tournament which started this Monday. For these domestic players, the requirements are slightly less demanding compared to the national contracts. They simply need to meet minimum goals for a 2 kilometer run and a skinfold test to remain eligible.

Out of the 87 players involved in that competition, 23 have already failed to meet these basic requirements. These individuals have been given until April 19 to pass a second attempt at the test. If they fail again, they will lose their match fees despite being allowed to continue playing in the tournament.

This decision shows the board is serious about making sure every player is in top physical condition. Future selection for these players will also be under review if they do not meet the standards soon. Other players, like Nuwan Thushara, have already been denied certificates to join teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to failing these tests.