Sri Lanka Cricket Grants Clearance to Eshan Malinga for IPL 2026 Participation
In a significant development for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially cleared young pace bowler Eshan Malinga to participate in the tournament. The 25-year-old right-arm pacer has received the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the board and is set to join the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise ahead of the season opener.
Malinga's Arrival and SRH's Boost
Eshan Malinga is expected to arrive in Hyderabad on March 24, where he will link up with the SRH squad. He will be accompanied by compatriot Kamindu Mendis, who had already received clearance earlier. This clearance comes as a timely boost for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are preparing for their opening match against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28. Malinga's inclusion strengthens SRH's bowling attack, providing them with a fresh and dynamic option as they aim for a strong start in the tournament.
Uncertainty Surrounds Other Key Sri Lankan Players
While Malinga's situation has been resolved, there remains no immediate clarity on the participation of two other prominent Sri Lankan cricketers: Wanindu Hasaranga of Lucknow Super Giants and Matheesha Pathirana of Kolkata Knight Riders. Both players have reportedly missed their scheduled fitness tests, which are mandatory under SLC's strict policy for issuing NOCs. As a result, their arrival in India is expected to be delayed, casting doubt on their availability for the early stages of IPL 2026.
- Matheesha Pathirana: Signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for a substantial fee of Rs 18 crore, Pathirana is likely to miss the early part of the season due to ongoing injury concerns. The franchise has indicated a willingness to wait for his recovery rather than seeking an immediate replacement, highlighting his value to the team.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 2 crore, Hasaranga's status remains uncertain. There has been no official communication from SLC regarding his clearance, leaving SRH in a state of anticipation as they await further updates.
SLC's Strict Fitness Policy and Additional Players in Limbo
The delays in clearance for Hasaranga and Pathirana stem from SLC's stringent fitness policy, which mandates that all players must pass physical performance tests before receiving NOCs for IPL participation. Several players, including Hasaranga and Pathirana, have been undergoing rehabilitation after injuries and have yet to complete these assessments. Another Sri Lankan pacer, Nuwan Thushara of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also remains in limbo, with his NOC dependent on the outcome of SLC's physical performance test. No confirmed update has been provided regarding his status.
Players Already Cleared for IPL 2026
Despite the uncertainties, some Sri Lankan players have successfully cleared the fitness requirements and are set to feature in IPL 2026. The list of cleared players includes:
- Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals)
- Pathum Nissanka (Delhi Capitals)
- Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Dasun Shanaka (Rajasthan Royals)
These clearances ensure that several key Sri Lankan talents will be available for their respective franchises, contributing to the competitive landscape of the tournament. The situation underscores the balancing act between player fitness and tournament commitments, with SLC prioritizing health and performance standards in its decision-making process.
