Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket’s Fitness Overhaul Exposes Gaps as Players Lag Behind
Sri Lanka Cricket’s renewed push for higher fitness standards has brought mixed results, with a significant number of centrally contracted players yet to meet the required benchmarks. Among those still pending their mandatory fitness assessments are Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, two key figures expected to feature in the IPL 2026, according to a report by ESPN.
Out of the 45 players holding central contracts, only 24 have successfully passed the fitness tests so far. Fifteen players, including Hasaranga and Pathirana, are yet to complete the process, while six others have reportedly failed at least one attempt. The reasons behind the delays range from injury setbacks to logistical challenges, creating uncertainty around player availability in the near term.
Hasaranga’s situation remains particularly unclear. The leg-spinning all-rounder has been sidelined since suffering a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s opening match of the T20 World Cup against Ireland in February. With no confirmed timeline for his fitness test and no request submitted yet for a No Objection Certificate, doubts continue to linger over his immediate return to competitive cricket.
Pathirana, on the other hand, appears to be making steady progress in his recovery. After picking up a calf strain during a T20 World Cup fixture against Australia, the fast bowler has resumed bowling in the nets. Those close to the player remain optimistic that he could travel to India by mid-April for his IPL commitments. His fitness test is expected to take place soon, although an official date has not been announced.
The stricter fitness regime introduced by Sri Lanka Cricket is not limited to the national setup. It has also been implemented in the ongoing National Super League, though with less demanding criteria. Players in the domestic tournament are required to meet basic thresholds in a 2km run and a skin-fold test, without a points-based system.
In contrast, centrally contracted players are evaluated through a more comprehensive scoring structure that includes sprinting, agility, and jump tests, alongside endurance and body composition assessments. A minimum score is required to pass, reflecting the board’s intent to elevate overall athletic standards within the national pool.
The impact of these measures is already evident at the domestic level. Of the 87 players participating in the National Super League, 23 have failed to meet the minimum fitness standards. These players have been given until April 19 to qualify. While they are still allowed to compete in the interim, failure to pass within the deadline could result in financial penalties, including the loss of match fees, and may affect their future participation in the tournament.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today provided a financial grant to rising javelin thrower Rumesh
Tharanga Pathirage.
This support was extended under the direction of the SLC President Mr. Shammi Silva and
the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, following a request made by the Minister of
Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
Rumesh Tharanga received the grant this evening at the SLC headquarters.
This initiative is part of SLC’s ongoing efforts to support and promote sports beyond cricket,
as well as to assist promising athletes in achieving success at the international level.
The Ministry of Sports has not released any official statement regarding speculation over a potential leadership change at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), according to Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.
Addressing recent media inquiries, the minister clarified that reports suggesting SLC President Shammi Silva could step down and be succeeded by former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne remain unverified.
“We have not issued any official statement as a ministry on this matter. These claims are currently limited to social media reports,” Gamage said.
He further noted that the ministry intends to address the situation formally in the near future.
“We are planning to hold a media briefing soon and will release an official statement. Further discussion can take place after that,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing public attention over the administration of Sri Lanka’s cricket governing body, though authorities have yet to confirm any changes at the top.
Sri Lanka Cricket decided to dedicate the ‘Major Club Women’s 50-Over Tournament’ in memory of the late Gwen Herat, the founding president of the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Association.
This decision has been made in recognition of the outstanding service rendered by Mrs. Herat towards the founding of Women’s Cricket Association in the country.
It was under her leadership that the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Association was established in 1997, where she served as its founding president.
Accordingly, in memory of her from 2026 onwards, the Major Club Women’s 50-Over
Tournament will be named the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy.
“The significant role played by the late Mrs. Gwen Herat in laying the foundation for women’s cricket is well remembered by the cricketing fraternity. By naming a tournament in her honor, Sri Lanka Cricket aims to preserve her legacy for future generations,” said Mr. Bandula
Dissanayake.
Marking this significant initiative, the family of Mrs. Gwen Herat presented a trophy to Sri Lanka Cricket, which will be awarded to the champions of future editions of the tournament.
The handover was carried out by Mrs. Herat’s family members, including her daughters, Shamarra Herat and Parveen Herat, and her son, Avancka Herat.
The Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy was officially handed over to Mr. Bandula Dissanayake, Honorary Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket, in the presence of Mr. Ashley de Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, and distinguished guests Mr. Chandra Schaffter and Mr. Hemaka Amarasuriya.
Mr. Chinthaka Edirimanne, Head of National Cricket Operations, and Mr. Upul Nawaratne
Bandara, Head of Marketing at SLC, also were present at the ceremony, which took place at SLC last week.
Sri Lanka Cricket Grants Rs. 10 Million to Rising Javelin Athlete Rumesh Tharanga
Sports Ministry Yet to Confirm Reports of Leadership Change at Sri Lanka Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket to name a women’s cricket tournament under late ‘Gwen Herat.’
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