In a key development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fast bowler Eshan Malinga, clearing him to participate in the tournament.

The young pacer is expected to join the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp on March 24, marking a timely boost for the franchise ahead of the new season.

Kamindu Mendis Also Cleared

Alongside Malinga, Kamindu Mendis has also received clearance from SLC.

• Both players will travel to India together
• They are expected to integrate into their respective IPL setups immediately
• Their availability strengthens Sri Lanka’s presence in IPL 2026

Uncertainty Over Key Sri Lankan Stars

While some players have been cleared, uncertainty remains over several big names:

• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Matheesha Pathirana
• Nuwan Thushara

Reason for Delay:

• Pending fitness and physical performance tests
• Clearance dependent on medical and workload assessments

According to reports, Hasaranga and Pathirana have not yet undergone mandatory fitness tests, delaying their participation.

For Thushara, SLC confirmed:

His NOC will depend on the outcome of his physical performance evaluation.

Other Sri Lankan Players Already Cleared

Some Sri Lankan players have already secured clearance and are set for IPL action:

• Dushmantha Chameera
• Pathum Nissanka
• Dasun Shanaka

Their availability ensures a steady Sri Lankan representation across franchises.

Boost for Sunrisers Hyderabad

The arrival of Eshan Malinga is particularly important for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are preparing for the upcoming season.

Additionally:

• Pat Cummins, the regular captain, is set to arrive in Bengaluru on March 24
• Ishan Kishan will attend the captains’ meeting in Mumbai on March 25

IPL 2026 Opening Fixtures and Key Dates

• IPL 2026 begins on March 28
• Sunrisers Hyderabad will face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium

Ahead of the season:

• All 10 team captains will attend a BCCI-organised meeting and media interaction
• Discussions will include tournament protocols and broadcast engagements

What This Means for IPL 2026

The staggered clearance of Sri Lankan players highlights:

Key Factors:

• Importance of player fitness and workload management
• Coordination between national boards and IPL franchises
• Impact on team combinations in early matches

For franchises, delayed arrivals could mean:

• Adjusting playing XIs
• Relying on backup players
• Managing squad depth strategically

Final Take

The clearance of Eshan Malinga is a positive step for both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sri Lanka Cricket, but uncertainty around key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana keeps teams on edge.