![Sri Lankan Cricketers revolt [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775377569047_SriLankacricketershitbackatboard.jpg?type=hq)
Sri Lankan Cricketers revolt [Source: AFP]
In a stunning development, Sri Lankan cricketers revolted against a news report which questioned their fitness standards. The controversy comes at a time when the board has introduced stricter fitness benchmarks for centrally contracted players.
The issue came to light when fast bowler Nuwan Thushara filed a legal case against SLC for denying him an NOC to feature in the IPL 2026 season.
While the board claimed he didn’t pass the fitness test, Thushara claimed his central contract had ended already, meaning he didn’t require an NOC.
Sri Lankan Cricketers Push Back On False Fitness Report
A local Sri Lankan news channel reportedly claimed that 19 out of 46 centrally contracted cricketers failed the mandatory fitness test while only 12 managed to pass it.
The list of players who failed included big names like captain Charith Asalanka, Prabath Jayasuriya and Dinesh Chandimal. However, once the news went viral, the above-mentioned cricketers issued a clarification.
Asalanka strongly denied the claim, saying he passed all requirements, and in his case, Sri Lankan Cricket backed him, confirming he met the standards and received his NOC for franchise leagues.
Not only that, Chandimal and Jayasuriya also hit back and criticised unverified media reports, saying such claims hurt their reputation and create unnecessary pressure.
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Sri Lanka’s new fitness policy explained
After injuries during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the Sri Lankan cricket board decided to implement stricter fitness policies to improve professional standards and durability.
They introduced a new mandatory fitness test where all centrally contracted players must undergo a skinfold test for body fat, complete a 2 km endurance run, and feature in sprint and agility drills.
All players must pass these to attain NOCs for franchise leagues and also to retain their central contract.
Overall, the clash isn’t about one player. It’s a clash between strict new fitness culture and conflicting media reporting.
Matheesha Pathirana is also stuck in a fitness loop
Apart from these three players, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was also denied an NOC to play for KKR in IPL 2026.
Pathirana sustained a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup and has since been in rehab under the guidance of Sri Lankan cricket. Despite this, KKR bought him for ₹18 crore in the mini-auction.
According to reports, Pathirana is recovering well and is expected to undergo a fitness test soon. If he passes the upcoming test, the pacer will be allowed to participate in the IPL in the second half of April.
Matheesha Pathirana also posted a social media message, saying “almost there", with the video of him bowling in the nets.
Having previously starred for CSK with 47 wickets in 32 matches, Pathirana’s return would be a major boost for Kolkata as they await their marquee signing’s comeback.
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