Hasaranga and Pathirana Fitness Dilemma: Why the SLC Mandate is Delaying Their IPL 2026 Arrival
Hasaranga & Pathirana Fitness Update: Why They Are Not in IPL 2026 Yet
The IPL 2026 is going on with full speed, but two big names are missing. If you are a fan of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) or Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), you must be wondering: Where are Hasaranga and Pathirana?
In this detailed report on Hasaranga & Pathirana, we will look at the injuries and the recovery process of these two stars. Currently, the status of Hasaranga & Pathirana is the most discussed topic among IPL experts because both franchises are struggling without their primary death-over and spin options.
The Big Reason: SLC’s New Fitness Rule
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made a new rule for all its players. They want to make sure that every player is 100% fit before they go to play in leagues like the IPL.
What is the rule?
Every player must pass a Physical Performance Test. If a player fails this test, the board will not give them the NOC (No Objection Certificate). Without an NOC, a player cannot join his IPL team.
The Passing Marks
The test is not easy. It includes running, jumping, and checking body fat.
Total Points: 29
Passing Points: 17
Players like Dushmantha Chameera have already passed and are playing in India, but our stars Hasaranga & Pathirana are still working on their fitness.
Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants – LSG)
LSG bought Wanindu Hasaranga to lead their spin bowling. He is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. But right now, his arrival is a big question mark.
The Injury
Hasaranga hurt his left hamstring in February during the T20 World Cup. Hamstring injuries are very painful for bowlers because they can’t run or land properly while bowling.
Current Status
He has started light batting practice in Colombo.
However, he is not bowling at full speed yet.
The Problem: He has not even asked the SLC for a fitness test date.
Expected Return: It looks like he might miss the first half of the IPL. LSG is already looking for other players like Mohammad Nabi to take his place.
Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR)
KKR fans love Matheesha Pathirana because he bowls like Lasith Malinga. His “slingy” action and yorkers are very important for KKR.
The Injury
Pathirana has a calf strain (muscle pain in the lower leg). He got this during a match against Australia. For a fast bowler, the calf muscle is very important for generating pace.
Good News for KKR
Pathirana is recovering much faster than Hasaranga.
He has started bowling in the nets.
Fitness Test Date: He is expected to take his SLC fitness test next week.
Expected Return: If he passes the test, he will fly to India by mid April. KKR really needs him to bowl in the death overs.
Quick Summary: Who is coming and when?
| Player Name | IPL Team | Injury Status | Expected Joining |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | LSG | Hamstring (Serious) | Uncertain (Maybe late April) |
| Matheesha Pathirana | KKR | Calf Strain (Recovering) | Mid-April |
| Dushmantha Chameera | DC | Fit | Already in India |
| Pathum Nissanka | DC | Fit | Already in India |
What Happens if Hasaranga & Pathirana Fail the Test?
If Hasaranga & Pathirana fail to reach the 17-point mark, SLC will not allow them to travel. This is a protective measure for Hasaranga & Pathirana to ensure they don’t aggravate their injuries during the high-pressure IPL games. The long-term health of Hasaranga & Pathirana is the top priority for the Sri Lankan board.
Why is the Board being so strict?
You might think the SLC is being mean by not letting them play. But there is a good reason:
National Duty: Sri Lanka has many important matches after the IPL. They don’t want their best bowlers to get more injured.
Long Career: If a player plays while they are half-injured, their career might end early.
Team Balance: IPL teams also want “fully fit” players. A 50% fit Pathirana is not as good as a 100% fit Pathirana.
What should Fantasy Fans do?
If you play Dream11 or other fantasy games, here is some expert advice:
Remove Hasaranga: Don’t keep him in your team right now. He will not play for at least 2 more weeks.
Watch Pathirana: Keep an eye on the news. As soon as he lands in India, he will be a “Must-Pick” for your team.
Pick Alternatives: Use players like Ravi Bishnoi or Varun Chakaravarthy instead.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Hasaranga & Pathirana fitness saga is a test of patience for everyone involved. We hope to see Hasaranga & Pathirana back in action very soon to light up IPL 2026. For more updates on the Hasaranga & Pathirana arrival, keep following our live blog!
Stay tuned for the live toss update at 7:00 PM! For the full IPL 2026 schedule and all match updates, visit The Cricket Show.
