As IPL 2026 draws closer, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has introduced stricter rules for releasing players, making fitness clearance compulsory before granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The decision comes after a series of injury concerns in recent international matches, pushing the board to take a more cautious approach. Under the new system, players must prove they are fully fit before being allowed to participate in overseas leagues like the IPL. The aim is simple avoid further injuries and ensure players remain available for national duty.

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For IPL franchises, this has created a mixed situation. On one hand, several Sri Lankan players have already cleared their fitness tests and are ready to join their teams. On the other, a few players are still recovering, which means teams are waiting for final updates before locking in their combinations.

Some players cleared, a few still in doubt

A number of Sri Lankan cricketers have successfully passed their fitness tests and received NOCs, confirming their availability for IPL 2026. This comes as a boost for franchises counting on them.

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However, a few players are still under medical observation. They are continuing their recovery and will need to clear further tests before getting the green signal. Their participation remains uncertain for now.

Focus on fitness over franchise commitments

SLC’s strict stance shows a clear shift towards protecting player health and managing workload better. By linking IPL participation to fitness, the board is putting long-term performance ahead of short-term gains.

For IPL teams, this means staying prepared with backup plans. While most players are expected to feature, final confirmations for some could come very close to the start of the season.