Sri Lanka Cricket denies claims of 19 players failing fitness tests; Issues official clarification

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) rejected a controversial television report claiming that 19 national players failed their Physical Performance Test. In an official statement, SLC said the claims were baseless and had caused reputational damage to the players and the sport across the country.

The board conducted the mandatory Physical Performance Test between February and April 2026 as part of the quarterly player review. SLC also released the names of prominent players who passed the fitness evaluation to clear the confusion around the national squad.

Sri Lanka Cricket Rejects False Fitness Report Claims

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that Akila Dananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Dinesh Chandimal passed the fitness evaluation. Players like Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Udara, and Prabath Jayasuriya also cleared the required standards to remain eligible for selection.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

The board also revealed that Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Binura Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara have not undergone the recent test. These players missed the evaluation due to injuries, rehabilitation, and medical reasons monitored by the team staff.

Wanindu Hasaranga suffered a left hamstring injury against Ireland during the T20 World Cup opener in February. Matheesha Pathirana picked up a calf strain against Australia but has resumed bowling in the nets. He is targeting an IPL return by mid-April after completing his fitness test next week.

Dinesh Chandimal Demands Investigation Into Misinformation

Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal welcomed the correction from the cricket board regarding the false television report. The veteran wicketkeeper called for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for spreading misleading information about the national team players.

“After I exposed the misinformation published by the media, they have now corrected it, and I appreciate the move. However, it is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to investigate and identify those who intended to spread such false and misleading information against the players.”

“I don’t know how many more years I will represent my country, but as long as I am up for selection, I will maintain my standards of fitness and give my utmost priority to this game and the people who believe in us."

"For us this is not just a profession, it is a responsibility, a pride and a privilege to wear the Sri Lankan jersey. To all the fans who have been with us through everything — your support is more than words can express. We play for you, and we will always give our best.”

Sri Lanka Cricket Overhauls Domestic Fitness Culture

Following the controversy, the television channel claimed that a senior Sri Lanka Cricket official provided the incorrect fitness details. Meanwhile, the board has extended its strict fitness tests to the ongoing National Super League, which began across the country on Monday.

Domestic players must complete a two-kilometer run and a skin-fold test to meet the minimum standard. However, centrally contracted players face stricter evaluations to retain their places in the national team.

National players undergo a 20-meter sprint, a 5-0-5 agility test, and a countermovement jump. They must score at least 17 out of 29 points across these tests to pass the Sri Lanka Cricket fitness assessment.

Also read: Ajinkya Rahane, Abhishek Nayar should be sacked in IPL 2026! 3 reasons KKR need urgent change