Sri Lankan Cricketers Hasaranga and Pathirana Face Fitness Test Delays Ahead of IPL 2026 Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, two key Sri Lankan cricketers under central contracts, have yet to complete their mandatory fitness tests mandated by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), according to a recent confirmation from the board. This development places them among 15 players in the central contract category who have not undergone the required evaluations. Additionally, six other players are believed to have failed at least one attempt, leaving only 24 of the 45 centrally-contracted players to have passed the tests. The reasons for the delays vary, with some players citing injuries and others facing logistical challenges. For Hasaranga and Pathirana, their timelines are particularly critical as both are set to represent the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Hasaranga’s situation appears more precarious, with sources close to the player indicating that it is unlikely he will be available for competition "anytime soon." A representative from SLC noted that Hasaranga has not yet requested an NOC (No Objection Certificate), which is necessary for his participation in the IPL. The legspinner has been sidelined since sustaining a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February. As of now, there is no clear timeline for his fitness evaluation, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming tournament. Pathirana, who suffered a calf strain during the T20 World Cup match against Australia, has reportedly begun bowling in the nets as part of his recovery process.#ipl_2026 #sri_lanka_cricket #matheesha_pathirana #wanindu_hasaranga #sri_lanka_cricketers
LSG May Move On From Hasaranga, Pathirana's Return in Sight for KKR Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly considering moving on from Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the IPL 2026 season, as the Sri Lankan leg-spinner remains absent and has not provided clarity on his participation. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 18 crore, is showing signs of recovery and could return to the team this season. Hasaranga, who was purchased by LSG for a base price of INR 2 crore, has not reported to the franchise and has not undergone the fitness test required by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) before obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for IPL participation. Despite being a key player for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup, Hasaranga has been sidelined for nearly two months due to a torn left hamstring. He last played for his national team in the opening match of the tournament against Ireland on February 8 and has since been absent from action. Sources close to Hasaranga indicate that there is no concrete update on his availability, with one insider stating, "We don't have any concrete update on Wanindu Hasaranga." A LSG representative confirmed the franchise lacks clear information and may explore replacement options if Hasaranga fails to meet expectations. The IPL has introduced sanctions for overseas players who withdraw after the auction, following complaints from franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024. Potential replacements for Hasaranga include Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed, all of whom are listed in the Reserve Player Pool (RAPP) and could be considered by LSG. These players are already under contract with other teams, but the IPL allows franchises to seek replacements if their original signings are unavailable.#ipl_2026 #kkr #matheesha_pathirana #lsg #wanindu_hasaranga
IPL 2026 - Sri Lankan Players Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana Yet to Clear Mandatory Fitness Tests Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that 15 players under central contracts have not yet completed the SLC-mandated fitness tests required to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participation in IPL 2026. Six additional players are believed to have failed at least one attempt, leaving only 24 of the 45 centrally-contracted players to have passed the tests. The fitness requirements are part of SLC’s broader initiative to overhaul its approach to player fitness, which has also been applied to the domestic National Super League (NSL) tournament. Among the players yet to take the tests, Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana stand out due to their proximity to the IPL 2026 season. Hasaranga, the legspinner, has been sidelined since sustaining a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February. Sources close to the player indicate that he is unlikely to be available for any matches soon, and SLC officials noted that Hasaranga has not yet requested an NOC. The delay in his fitness evaluation has raised concerns about his readiness for the IPL, which begins in April. Pathirana, who strained his calf during the T20 World Cup match against Australia, has reportedly begun bowling in the nets as part of his recovery. While no official date has been set for his fitness test, sources suggest it is likely to occur in the coming week. Pathirana is expected to join Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, with hopes that he will be fit in time for the tournament. However, his timeline remains uncertain, and the SLC’s strict fitness criteria could impact his availability.#ipl_2026 #sri_lanka_cric #matheesha_pathirana #wanindu_hasaranga #nslnational_super_league
KKR vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026 - KKR meet LSG with both teams looking for momentum Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants are set to face off in a crucial IPL 2026 encounter at Eden Gardens on April 9, 2026. Both teams are seeking to regain momentum after mixed results in their early matches. The game, which is the 15th match of the tournament, will see KKR, currently in search of a breakthrough, take on LSG, who have shown resilience in their recent performances. The match is expected to be a tactical battle, with both sides looking to exploit their strengths while mitigating weaknesses. LSG’s spin-bowling coach, Carl Crowe, provided insight into the team’s preparation, highlighting the development of Mohammed Shami. Crowe noted that Shami had worked on a new-ball variation four days prior to the match, which proved effective when he dismissed Abhishek with the first ball of the game. Crowe emphasized the importance of adaptability, stating that Shami’s ability to quickly adopt a new skill underscores his commitment to growth as a player. This mindset, Crowe added, is vital for both young and experienced cricketers in maintaining competitiveness in a fast-paced tournament. For KKR, the match presents an opportunity to address their struggles with consistency. One key development is the potential return of pace bowler Sunil Narine, who is expected to replace Rovman Powell in the lineup. Narine’s inclusion could bolster KKR’s bowling attack, which has faced challenges in containing the opposition’s top order. Meanwhile, all-rounder Rashid Green, who has primarily batted for KKR so far, is set to make his debut with the ball.#kolkata_knight_riders #lucknow_super_giants #mohammed_shami #carl_crowe #wanindu_hasaranga
