Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that among the 15 Sri Lankan cricketers with central contracts, Madisha Pathirana and Vanindu Hasaranga are yet to complete their mandatory fitness assessments.
Six more players have failed in at least one attempt.
Only 24 of the 45 players contracted by the center have cleared the test so far. Reasons for non-participation varied from injuries to logistical issues.
However, with the pair representing Lucknow Supergiants and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), the circumstances surrounding Hazaranga and Pathirana are more pressing.
Hazaran’s case appears to be more worrisome, SLC source says: “He is yet to seek No Obligation Certificate (NOC).”
The 28-year-old leg-spinner was sidelined in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February after tearing his left hamstring and there is no clear timeline for when he will undergo a fitness assessment.
Pathirana, who was injured during the tournament – suffered a calf strain against Australia – started bowling in the nets as he recovered.
Sources close to him believe that he will be back in India for the IPL in mid-April.
While no official date has been set for his SLC-mandated fitness test, the development suggests that it will be held by next week.
The overhaul of SLC’s fitness culture extends to the domestic National Super League matches that began on Monday.
The test criteria there are less stringent; Players only have to complete a 2km run and skinfolding test, no points are awarded – they just have to meet the minimum threshold.
In contrast, center contract players must undergo a 20-meter sprint, a 5-0-5 agility test and a counter-movement jump (CMJ), each awarded between one and five points.
There are seven more points for both the 2km run and the skinfold test. 17 marks should be obtained out of total 29 marks.
Of the 87 players participating in the domestic tournament, 23 have failed to meet the minimum fitness requirements and have been given a deadline of April 19 to pass.
If they fail, they will be allowed to continue playing but will forfeit their tournament fee and their future participation in the tournament will be reviewed.