Hasaranga, Pathirana Still Awaiting SLC-Mandatory Fitness Tests

Sri Lankan stars Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are yet to clear the SLC-mandatory fitness test. Besides them, six other players have taken the test but failed to meet the required standards. This means that among 45 centrally contracted players, only 24 have passed it to date.

The reasons for missing the test range from injuries to travel and other issues. However, the focus is mainly on Hasaranga and Pathirana, as both are set to play in IPL 2026 for Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Currently, Hasaranga’s situation looks the most uncertain. People close to him feel he may not return "anytime soon," while an SLC source said that "Hasaranga has not as yet requested for an NOC (No Objection Certificate)."

Sri Lanka’s most potent legspinner has been out since he injured his left hamstring during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February, and there is still no clear update on when he will take his fitness test.

On the other hand, Matheesha Pathirana picked up a calf injury in the T20 World Cup match against Australia but has now started bowling in the nets as part of his recovery. Those close to him are hopeful he will reach India for the IPL by mid-April. Although there is no official date yet for his fitness test, it is expected to happen next week.

SLC’s changes to its fitness system have also been applied to the domestic National Super League, which started on Monday. The rules there are simpler, as players only have to complete a 2km run and a skin-fold test. There are no points involved, as they just need to meet the minimum requirement.

For centrally contracted players, the fitness test includes a 20m sprint, a 5-0-5 agility test, and a Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), with each giving one to five points. The 2km run and skin-fold test can give up to seven points each. Talking about the passing marks, players need 17 out of 29 points to clear their fitness test effectively.