Sri Lanka pacer Eshan Malinga has got the clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Malinga cleared the fitness test. As per a report by Cricbuzz, he will join the franchise on March 24. He will be arriving alongside all-rounder Kamindu Mendis. Both SRH players have got the NOC to play in the league.
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No word on star players
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) still have no clarity over their high profile signings -- Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga. Both of them got injured during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and are yet to undergo their respective fitness tests.
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Pathirana was roped in for Rs 18 crore by KKR and the franchise is waiting for him to get fit instead of looking for a replacement. LSG's Hasaranga's participation is uncertain as well. Earlier, the former Sri Lankan captain had missed the entire IPL season due to an injury as well. His services were acquired by the franchise for Rs 2 crore.
RCB's pace battery dented
In addition, there is no update on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Nuwan Thushara either. RCB are already missing the services of their star pacer Josh Hazlewood.
"Nuwan Thushara's eligibility for a No Objection Certificate to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his physical performance test," the SLC had said in a statement.
RCB are likely to lean on New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy's experience in the upcoming edition, having let go of Lungi Ngidi.
Other Sri Lanka players cleared to play
Other Sri Lankan players who will play in the IPL are pacer Dushmantha Chameera, opener Pathum Nissanka and captain Dasun Shanaka. Chameera and Nissanka will represent Delhi Capitals (DC) whereas Shanaka has been picked as an injured Sam Curran's replacement by Rajasthan Royals (RR). The Sri Lankan all-rounder let go of Pakistan Super League (PSL) contract with Lahore Qalandars to join Royals.