SLC NOC Update for IPL 2026: Pathirana Cleared, Hasaranga and Malinga Still Awaiting Tests

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially confirmed the NOC status of all seven Lankan players set for IPL 2026, and the picture is a real mixed bag. Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have their clearances confirmed. Matheesha Pathirana has now also been declared fit and granted full NOC by the SLC secretary himself. But Wanindu Hasaranga, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga are still waiting, with their NOCs subject to passing mandatory fitness tests before they can travel to India.

Full SLC NOC Status for IPL 2026

All three players who are waiting, Hasaranga, Thushara, and Malinga, suffered injuries during the T20 World Cup 2026 and are still proving their fitness to SLC medical staff. Until they bowl a set number of overs at full intensity, their NOCs cannot be issued.

Pathirana Latest: SLC Officially Confirms He is Fit

This is the biggest development in this update. After days of confusion, cancelled flight bookings, and social media speculation that he had been denied an NOC, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Bandula Dissanayake confirmed directly to PTI that Pathirana has completed his rehabilitation and been granted clearance.

“As far as I know, he’s fit and we have given him NOC to participate in the IPL. He has completed rehab and is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness,” Dissanayake said.

KKR will now assess his match fitness themselves before finalising whether he plays their opening game at Wankhede on March 29 or joins for the home opener against SRH at Eden Gardens on April 2. For everything on KKR’s squad and upcoming fixtures, check the KKR squad and fixtures page.

Hasaranga and LSG: A Big Concern

Wanindu Hasaranga’s fitness situation is one of the most critical in the tournament right now. He suffered a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup and is unlikely to be fit for the first two weeks of the season at minimum.

For Lucknow Super Giants, this is a serious problem. Hasaranga was signed as LSG’s primary spin weapon and match-winning all-rounder. He is arguably irreplaceable in their XI in terms of what he offers with both bat and ball. Without him early on, the responsibility of holding the middle overs together shifts entirely to domestic spinners, which is a significant drop in quality.

LSG do have Rishabh Pant confirmed fully fit and available from game one, which is their most critical fitness update. But the Hasaranga hole is real.

LSG’s Spin Options Without Hasaranga Early

• Shahbaz Ahmed covers the left-arm spin angle
• Ravi Bishnoi provides wrist-spin firepower
• Ayush Badoni chips in with part-time off-spin when needed
• Arjun Tendulkar provides left-arm seam as a backup option

Eshan Malinga and SRH: Another Problem for Hyderabad

Eshan Malinga is SRH’s wild card fast bowler, the younger brother of Lasith Malinga who has been making serious waves in domestic T20 cricket. He also suffered an injury at the T20 World Cup and is now in the same boat as Hasaranga, requiring a fitness test before SLC will release him.

SRH are already without Pat Cummins for the opening games, with Ishan Kishan confirmed as stand-in captain. Losing Malinga as well leaves their pace attack looking very stretched. They will likely rely heavily on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and overseas pacer Brydon Carse while waiting for both Cummins and Malinga to clear fitness hurdles. Check the full SRH squad and fixtures for the complete availability picture.

Nuwan Thushara and RCB: Most Optimistic Case

Of the three waiting for fitness clearance, Nuwan Thushara’s case is the most straightforward. Reports indicate he is expected to join RCB relatively quickly once his fitness tick is confirmed. His injury was less severe than the other two and he has been progressing through his rehab programme without any reported setbacks.

For RCB, who are also without Josh Hazlewood for the first couple of games, having Thushara available early would significantly ease their pace bowling concerns heading into the deep end of the tournament.

The Full IPL 2026 Availability Picture Right Now

This SLC announcement adds another layer to what is already the most chaotic pre-tournament injury situation in IPL history.

IPL 2026 Multi-Franchise Availability Tracker

Keep track of all availability updates and how each team manages their squads through the latest IPL 2026 updates as the season begins. For live match coverage from March 28 onwards, find all streaming details on the IPL 2026 live streaming guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Matheesha Pathirana been granted NOC for IPL 2026?

Yes. SLC secretary Bandula Dissanayake confirmed that Pathirana has completed rehabilitation and been granted NOC to participate in IPL 2026. KKR will assess his match readiness before selecting him.

Which Sri Lankan players have confirmed NOCs for IPL 2026?

Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and now Matheesha Pathirana all have confirmed clearances. Hasaranga, Thushara, and Malinga are still awaiting fitness test results.

Why is Wanindu Hasaranga’s NOC being delayed?

Hasaranga suffered a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup 2026 and must pass a fitness test set by Sri Lanka Cricket before his NOC can be issued. He is expected to miss at least the first two weeks of IPL 2026.

Which IPL team is most affected by the SLC fitness delays?

Sunrisers Hyderabad face the biggest dual problem, missing both Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga for early games. Lucknow Super Giants are also heavily impacted by Hasaranga’s delay.

When will Pathirana join the KKR squad?

KKR depart for Mumbai on March 25. Pathirana is expected to join the squad around that time or before their home opener against SRH on April 2.

Is Nuwan Thushara expected to play for RCB in IPL 2026?

Yes. Thushara is expected to receive his NOC soon and join RCB relatively early in the tournament, though an exact date has not been confirmed.