Jay Shah and Wanindu Hasaranga (Source: AFP)
The IPL 2026 is gaining full momentum, and the with each passing match, the tournament is becoming more exciting and interesting. However, ahead of the start of the tournament, several Sri Lankan players had been in the limelight for their participation in IPL 2026. One such player whose participation is still unconfirmed is Wanindu Hasaranga.
The Sri Lankan all-rounder, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2 crore during the auction, is yet to join the squad.
Hasaranga was picked at his base price to strengthen LSG's spin attack. Given his experience and wicket-taking ability, the franchise had high expectations. But an injury sustained during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has significantly complicated matters.
The star spinner suffered a tear in his left hamstring during the tournament and has been out of action for nearly two months.
Wanindu Hasaranga to attend mandatory fitness test
Before joining the IPL, all overseas players must clear a fitness test and obtain a NoC from their respective cricket boards. However, recent reports indicate that Wanindu Hasaranga has not attended the required fitness test.
It was earlier stated that he was undergoing a mandatory rehabilitation program, but no detailed explanation has been provided since then.
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The situation around him is becoming more complicated, as even after a week, there has been no update on his availability. According to reports, Hasaranga has not reported to the LSG camp and has not communicated a clear timeline for his arrival either.
BCCI's rule on player availability
Ahead of IPL 2025, the BCCI introduced a two-year ban policy to prevent last-minute withdrawals from players. The rule aims to prevent players, especially overseas stars, from withdrawing from the tournament after being selected in the auction.
Under this IPL rule, any player who registers for the IPL auction, gets picked by a franchise, and then withdraws before the season begins will face a two-season ban. This means the player will not be allowed to play in the IPL or even register for future auctions during that period.
There is one important exception- if a player withdraws due to a serious injury or medical condition, they will not be banned, provided the issue is officially confirmed by their home cricket board.
England's Harry Brook became the first player to face this strict rule. After being picked by the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, Brook withdrew from the tournament.
As a result, he has been handed a two-year ban, ruling him out of the IPL for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Another England player, Ben Duckett, could face a similar situation. He withdrew from IPL 2026 to focus on international cricket commitments, so there is a chance he might also face similar consequences.
Is Wanindu Hasaranga exploiting IPL rules?
While NOC remains the official reason for his absence, reports suggest something else. According to T20 Tracker, Hasaranga is likely unhappy with his auction price but is unable to withdraw directly due to strict IPL regulations set by the BCCI.
As per the reports, delaying the fitness test may allow Hasaranga to remain technically unavailable without officially withdrawing. This could leave LSG with little choice but to replace him for the rest of IPL 2026.
Wanindu Hasaranga's IPL performance
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Wanindu Hasaranga has been a crucial player in the IPL. He has previously played for teams like the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Rajasthan Royals.
In IPL 2025, he played 11 matches for Rajasthan Royals, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.05. Overall, he has featured in 37 IPL matches and claimed 46 wickets at an economy rate of 8.41.
It is important to mention that LSG will play their next match against KKR on April 9, 2026.
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