SunRisers Hyderabad players during IPL 2025. Credits -afp.com
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been dealing with various injuries in the camp ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Captain Pat Cummins is touted to miss the initial few games, while there has been uncertainty about the availability of Jack Edwards and Eshan Maliga.
However, the Orange Army have received a joyful update days ahead of the forthcoming season of the Indian extravaganza.
SLC hands NOCs to Eshan Malinga, Kusal Mendis
According to a Sri Lankan media house, the board has finally issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to several players for the IPL 2026 and the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026). Reportedly, Eshan Malinga, who will represent SRH after being signed for INR 1.2 crore, has been granted permission by the Sri Lanka Cricket to take part in the IPL 2026.
Moreover, Peshawar Zalmi's recruit Kusal Mendis has received the NOC to make his debut for the Zalmi in PSL 2026. Last year, he debuted in the league when he represented the Quetta Gladiators, before he migrated to India for the Gujarat Titans.
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"SLC has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to several players for franchise leagues, with Eshan Malinga and Kusal Mendis among the latest to receive clearance," the report by CricWireLK stated.
Notably, the Sri Lanka board has made mandatory fitness tests for all its contracted players before providing the NOCs for the IPL 2026 and PSL 2026.
"Nuwan Thushara's eligibility for a NOC to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his physical performance test. Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the physical performance test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained," a release by SLC had said.
Notably, Malinga, alongside Mendis, has passed the mandatory fitness test.
Still no certainty on rest of SL players
Meanwhile, there is still no certainty of the availability of the rest of the Sri Lankan players. Wanindu Hasaranga, who was bought for INR 2 Crore by Lucknow Super Giants, Nuwan Thushara (RCB), and Matheesha Pathirana (KKR) are yet to pass the fitness tests.
It is worth mentioning that there are updates about the availabilities, and whether these Sri Lankan players will be available for their respective franchise's first game.
How did Eshan Malinga fare last season?
Touted as Jnr. Malinga, Eshan Malinga, was bought by the one-time champions with huge hopes. Unlike SRH, the right-arm quick did reasonably well after coming in late. Malinga took 13 wickets in seven innings at an economy rate of 8.92.
Since then, the 25-year-old has been impressive both on the international level and in leagues across the globe. However, a shoulder injury ruled him out during the second T20I against England in early February 2026, which was why he had to miss the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Nevertheless, SRH will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 28 against RCB, and Eshan Malinga is expected to play in the opening game.
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