Sri Lanka Cricket has decided not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to several Sri Lankan players ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season, which is set to begin on March 28.
Among the players affected are fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 18 crore, and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore.
In addition, fast bowler Eshan Malinga has also not been granted permission to participate in the tournament.
The decision was taken after the players failed to complete their mandatory fitness tests successfully. Hasaranga and Pathirana are currently recovering from injuries that forced them to miss parts of the recent T20 World Cup, and they will need to undergo further fitness assessments.
Meanwhile, the participation of Nuwan Thushara will depend on the outcome of his fitness test results in the coming days.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka Cricket has issued NOCs to players who successfully passed their fitness tests. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and opening batter Pathum Nissanka are set to join Delhi Capitals, while all-rounder Kamindu Mendis will represent Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming season.
According to an official statement from Sri Lanka Cricket, only three players have been cleared to participate in this year’s IPL so far.
The new national selection committee, working together with the Ministry of Sports Sri Lanka, has also launched a special fitness program aimed at improving players’ strength, speed, and endurance. All centrally contracted Sri Lankan players are required to take part in this program moving forward.
