Eshan Malinga (Image: ANI) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has provided a major update ahead of IPL 2026, allowing young pacer Eshan Malinga to participate in the tournament while uncertainty continues over several other key Sri Lankan players. In a positive development for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Eshan Malinga has received the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from SLC and is all set to join the franchise before the start of the season.The 25-year-old right-arm paceman is expected to arrive in Hyderabad on March 24 and join the SRH squad along with compatriot Kamindu Mendis, who has already received clearance. This comes as a boost for SRH as they prepare for their opening match against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28.
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Hasaranga and Pathirana are still awaiting clearance
While Malinga’s situation has been resolved, the participation of Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants) and Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders) is still unclear. Both players reportedly missed their scheduled fitness tests, which are mandatory to receive NOCs from SLC. As a result, their arrival in India is expected to be delayed.Pathiran: Signed by KKR for Rs 18 crore, he is likely to miss the start of the season due to injury concerns, with the franchise willing to wait for his recovery rather than look for a replacement.Hasaranga: Signed by SRH for Rs 2 crore, they are still waiting for an official word from SLC regarding his clearance.Another Sri Lankan pacer, Nuwan Thushara (RCB), remains in limbo. His NOC depends on the result of the SLC physical performance test and there is no confirmed update yet.
Why the delay? SLC’s strict fitness policy
The SLC has implemented a strict policy for participating in the IPL, making it mandatory for players to pass physical performance tests before receiving an NOC. Several players, including Hasaranga and Pathirana, have undergone rehabilitation from injuries and are yet to complete these assessments.
Players are already cleared
Meanwhile, some Sri Lankan players have successfully cleared the fitness requirements and will feature in IPL 2026, including:Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals)Pathum Nissanka (Delhi Capitals)Kamindu Mendis (SRH)Dasun Shanaka (Rajasthan Royals)
