Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is facing a major crisis after failing to attend the ongoing mandatory physical fitness programme without providing any explanation.
Hasaranga, who missed most of the last World Cup due to injury, has reportedly been focusing on personal skill training instead of participating in the required fitness programme. This behaviour has drawn strong criticism from the National Cricket Selection Committee.
The committee has requested the High Performance Centre to immediately explain how the player was allowed to attend skill training without joining the fitness programme.
Eight-Week Special Training Programme
Following the postponement of the Afghanistan tour due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Sri Lanka Cricket introduced an eight-week special training programme aimed at improving players’ physical strength, speed, and endurance.
This programme was implemented on the instructions of the Ministry of Sports and the National Selection Committee. Meeting the prescribed fitness standards has now been made mandatory for national team selection.
However, players who missed the T20 World Cup partially or entirely due to injuries were permitted to complete their rehabilitation before joining the programme.
Players intending to participate in foreign leagues such as the IPL and PSL have also been informed that they must pass a mandatory fitness test before receiving No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
The fitness evaluation includes five tests, such as a 2-kilometre time trial and a skinfold (body fat) test. A minimum score of 17 out of 29 is required to pass.
No NOC Without Fitness Clearance
Chief Selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe stated that an investigation has been requested into how Hasaranga bypassed the fitness programme.
“We have made it very clear that players must meet the minimum fitness standards to obtain clearance for foreign leagues. No special concessions will be made,” he said.
As a result, Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva has been advised not to issue an NOC to Hasaranga until he complies with the fitness requirements.
IPL Participation in Doubt
The 28-year-old Hasaranga, who has taken 266 wickets in limited-overs internationals, was expected to represent the Lucknow Super Giants in this year’s IPL. However, his participation is now uncertain due to non-compliance with fitness regulations.
Several other players, including Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dunith Wellalage, and Dushmantha Chameera, have already passed the fitness tests and received NOCs.
Meanwhile, Maheesh Theekshana has reportedly lost five kilograms and qualified for the Pakistan Super League with a score of 22 points.
Strict Approach Under New Coach
These decisions align with the philosophy of newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten, who strongly emphasizes fitness.
“Modern sport demands high physical standards. If a player lacks fitness or is frequently injured, it affects the entire team’s performance,” Kirsten has said.
Other Players Also at Risk
Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara is also in danger of missing the IPL after failing the fitness test for the second time. He must meet the required standards to join his franchise.
Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana, who was signed for USD 2 million by Kolkata Knight Riders, has resumed training but is yet to receive full clearance from physiotherapists. He is expected to miss the initial phase of the tournament.
Alarming Fitness Levels
Sri Lanka Cricket’s latest reports reveal a concerning fitness situation. Of the 46 players tested in February, only 27 met the minimum requirement, resulting in a failure rate of 41.3%.
This highlights a deeper structural issue within the system, suggesting that professionalism and fitness standards were not consistently enforced in the past.
Sri Lanka’s struggles during the last T20 World Cup further exposed these weaknesses, as injuries to key players significantly impacted the team’s performance.
Mixed Reactions and Criticism
In response to the NOC rejection, Hasaranga posted a photo of his ICC awards on social media with a sarcastic caption.
“Look what I found today. These are awards I received from ICC for my franchise performances.”
However, the reaction from fans was largely critical, with many questioning the value of accolades without consistent fitness and performance.
Former fast bowler Chaminda Vaas offered a balanced perspective. While stressing the importance of fitness, he criticised the timing of the strict enforcement.
“Sri Lanka Cricket has largely ignored fitness standards in international cricket over the past four years. As I have mentioned numerous times, fitness is extremely important when it comes to cricket; there is no doubt about that. But you can’t ignore it for years and then suddenly enforce strict standards just before the IPL,” he noted.
