Five Sri Lankans cleared as IPL begins tomorrow

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence tomorrow (28), with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the tournament opener.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and paceman Eshan Malinga are included in the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad, led by Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan.

This season promises to be the biggest in IPL history, featuring 84 matches among 10 teams: Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans.

Five Sri Lankan players have already joined their respective squads after receiving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from Sri Lanka Cricket, while several others remain under evaluation.

Kamindu Mendis and Eshan Malinga will represent Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera have been named in the Delhi Capitals squad. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s T20 captain Dasun Shanaka has joined Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for injured England all-rounder Sam Curran.

All five players secured their NOCs after successfully completing mandatory fitness tests. However, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana are still awaiting clearance, as they must meet the required physical performance standards.

Hasaranga has been drafted by Lucknow Super Giants, while Pathirana—who previously represented Chennai Super Kings—has joined Kolkata Knight Riders this season.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has recently introduced a strict fitness policy requiring players to pass physical performance tests before being granted permission to participate in franchise leagues such as the IPL and PSL.

As a result, Nuwan Thushara is set to miss the IPL after failing to meet the required fitness standards. SLC has declined to issue him a No Objection Certificate, placing his RCB contract in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, several international players remain uncertain about their participation due to injuries and scheduling priorities. England opener Ben Duckett has officially withdrawn from this year’s IPL to focus on international commitments with England. Duckett was signed by Delhi Capitals during the player auction, and his absence opens the door for Pathum Nissanka, who is likely to step into the opening position, most likely opening alongside KL Rahul.

In addition, Ben Duckett’s late withdrawal could have further implications, as IPL regulations may render him liable for a suspension from future editions of the tournament

Rajasthan Royals, coached by former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are set to face Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on April 1.

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene continues in his role as head coach of Mumbai Indians. All matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. (Sri Lanka time), with the final set to be played on May 31 in Bengaluru.

Sources: Economy Next