Hasaranga, Pathirana yet to undergo SLC-mandated fitness tests

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are two of 15 centrally contracted Sri Lankan players who have yet to participate in mandatory fitness tests. Six other players are believed to have failed at least one attempt. This indicates that only 24 of the 45 centrally contracted players have passed the test at this time. The reasons for those yet to be tested vary, and they range from injuries to difficulties with logistics. But of those, Hasaranga and Pathirana's timelines are still the most important, as they will play for Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in 2026, respectively. Hasaranga's scenario looks the most bleak with a source at SLC stating that "Hasaranga has not as yet requested for an NOC (No Objection Certificate)." The 28-year-old leggie has been injured since sustaining a left hamstring tear in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February, and there is no clear idea on when he will undergo his fitness evaluation. Pathirana, who also suffered an injury during the tournament, suffered a calf strain in the match against Australia. It is believed that Pathirana has begun bowling in the nets to speed up his recovery. Sources close to the player anticipate that Pathirana will be in India for the Indian Premier League by the middle of April. His SLC-mandated fitness test is likely to take place within the next week, although no official date has been set. SLCs overhauling of their fitness culture has also extended to the domestic National Super League tournament, which began on Monday. A skinfold test and a two-kilometer run are all that are required of players for that less stringent testing. They only need to reach the minimum threshold to earn points. In contrast, centrally contracted players have a 20-meter sprint, a 5-0-5 agility test, and a Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), all of which award points ranging from one to five. The 2 km run and skinfold test, on the other hand, could award seven points to one player. The test must be passed with 17 out of 29 points. Of the 87 players taking part in the tournament, 23 have failed to clear the minimum fitness requirements and have been given an April 19 deadline to pass the test. If they fail to do so, while they will be allowed to continue playing they will be denied their match fees, with future representation in the tournament also likely to come under scrutiny.