IPL teams on alert!: Sri Lanka fitness crisis sees almost 50% players fail tests

Half of the Sri Lanka cricketers have failed the latest mandatory physical performance test, according to a report in the Sunday Times. 27 out of 46 players achieved the minimum benchmark of 17 points across five assessments, raising concerns about the overall fitness standards within Sri Lanka Cricket.

19 players fell short of the required professional standards set by Sri Lanka Cricket after the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The board has made passing these physical performance tests mandatory for any international player seeking a No Objection Certificate to participate in overseas franchise tournaments.

Sri Lanka Pacer Nuwan Thushara Denied Clearance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru

In a setback for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara could miss the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Sri Lanka Cricket denied him a No Objection Certificate after he failed to meet the mandatory fitness standards required for overseas tournaments.

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Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the 31-year-old will receive his No Objection Certificate only if he clears the newly set fitness benchmarks.

This move shows that Sri Lanka Cricket is prioritizing player fitness and national standards over franchise commitments in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Maheesh Theekshana and Others Clear Sri Lanka Cricket Standards

Meanwhile, several players improved their fitness to meet the Sri Lanka Cricket standards. Maheesh Theekshana achieved an impressive score of 22 after losing nearly six kilograms before joining his franchise for the Pakistan Super League.

Several other international players also cleared the fitness tests ahead of IPL 2026. Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka of Delhi Capitals (DC), Dasun Shanaka of Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Kamindu Mendis and Eshan Malinga of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured their No Objection Certificates.

The report stated that officials believe stricter fitness rules are needed to improve standards and ensure players are ready for both international and franchise cricket.

Wanindu Hasaranga Awaits Clearance for Lucknow Super Giants

While several players have secured their No Objection Certificates, Lucknow Super Giants spinner Wanindu Hasaranga remains in a complicated situation. He sustained a hamstring injury while representing the Sri Lanka national team during the group stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Due to the ongoing rehabilitation process, Hasaranga is still awaiting final medical clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket’s medical staff. The Lucknow Super Giants management remains hopeful that he will recover in time and secure his No Objection Certificate for the Indian Premier League 2026.

The IPL 2026 season has already seen several injuries and availability concerns. Key players like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Lockie Ferguson will miss the start, while Sam Curran, Akash Deep, and Nathan Ellis have been ruled out of the tournament.

The IPL 2026 season began with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opener in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28. RCB secured a six-wicket victory to start the tournament on a positive note.

Also read: Phil Salt takes dig at Dinesh Karthik, calls out bias after RCB vs SRH clash