Charith Asalanka denies failing fitness test; Sri Lanka Cricket backs skipper
Published - 05 Apr 2026, 10:54 AM | Updated - 05 Apr 2026, 10:55 AM
Sri Lanka ODI captain Charith Asalanka rejected local television reports suggesting he failed a physical fitness assessment and urged media organizations to practice responsible reporting. A local television channel published a list of players who allegedly failed the mandatory physical evaluations.
Sri Lanka Cricket recently implemented strict physical performance standards for all contracted players. Players must pass these evaluations to receive No Objection Certificates for foreign franchise leagues like the IPL and the PSL. Dinesh Chandimal also rejected reports claiming he failed the physical evaluations.
Sri Lanka Captain Charith Asalanka Denies Report On Failed Fitness Test - Report
According to newswire.lk, Charith Asalanka confirmed that he passed the mandatory physical tests. Sri Lanka Cricket also announced that he completed all necessary fitness requirements.
Asalanka received his No Objection Certificate to participate in upcoming franchise leagues this year. The physical evaluations introduced by Sri Lanka Cricket include multiple stages. Officials use skinfold tests to measure body fat percentage.
Players must also complete a two-kilometer run to assess endurance. In addition, they undergo a 20-meter sprint, agility drills, and a counter-movement jump to evaluate overall fitness.
Sri Lanka Fitness Test Results Raise Concerns As Several Players Miss Benchmarks
Earlier, Newswire reported that 27 out of 46 players achieved the minimum benchmark. These players scored 17 points across five assessments in February. 19 players fell below the physical standards set by Sri Lanka Cricket.
This failure rate raised questions about player conditioning within the national setup. The high number of failures pointed to deeper issues in the fitness and conditioning programs managed by Sri Lanka Cricket.
A separate statistic from recent tests showed a different outcome. It suggested that only 12 out of 46 players obtained the required fitness points. Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara was the most notable player among those who failed to meet the required standards.
Charith Asalanka achieved the required fitness points to secure his No Objection Certificate. Other players also showed improvement to meet the standards. Maheesh Theekshana scored 22 points after losing five to six kilograms before joining the Pakistan Super League this season.
Sri Lanka Cricket Tightens Fitness Rules After Injury Concerns During T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Cricket tightened physical requirements after the T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka co-hosted with India. Several frontline bowlers suffered injuries during the tournament. This forced selectors to field a second-string team and prompted the board to enforce higher professional standards.
The new policy affects players seeking international franchise opportunities. Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis passed their fitness assessments. Sri Lanka Cricket granted them No Objection Certificates to compete in the Indian Premier League.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are yet to undergo the required fitness tests. They are currently completing rehabilitation for injuries. Sri Lanka Cricket requires them to fully recover before attempting the assessments. Officials believe strict fitness rules ensure better physical preparedness.
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