Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will conduct fitness tests early next week in Colombo. These tests are required before issuing the No Objection Certificate for players’ participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Several players are expected to undergo these tests. These include Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow SuperGiants), Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad), and Nuwan Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru). Matheesha Pathirana of Kolkata Knight Riders, who has been in the news due to injury, will also be tested.
According to officials from multiple IPL franchises, the fitness tests are scheduled by SLC on Monday and Tuesday. Information regarding the players will be available only after the tests.
Sri Lankan Players Await Clearance
Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka (both Delhi Capitals), along with Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad), have already received their NOCs. They are among the Sri Lankan players set to feature in the season starting March 28. In all, seven Sri Lankans are drafted for the season.
Pathirana, Hasaranga, Malinga, and Thushara each missed at least part of the recently-concluded T20 World Cup. Their absences were due to various injuries, though the details remain unclear. Hasaranga has been sidelined by a left hamstring tear since the opening game against Ireland on February 8. Pathirana played three games of the World Cup before being pulled out.
Franchises are confident that the SLC will clear the players. Cricbuzz has reached out to the Sri Lanka board for updates on the NOC.
Captains and Coaches Meeting Scheduled
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the annual captain and coaches meeting. It will be held in Mumbai on March 25, ahead of the season.
The confirmation follows speculation about a possible postponement or advancement. The meeting and shooting will take place between 12 noon and 6 pm on that day.
The BCCI had considered moving the meeting forward by a day. However, the franchises were not prepared for the change. The board ultimately decided on March 25.
Potential Rule Changes on the Horizon
The captains’ and coaches’ meeting is significant. The BCCI discusses proposed changes to playing conditions and introduces new rules for the season to the franchises.
Last year, the board informed teams of changes to over-rate penalties, the expansion of DRS, and the introduction of a mandatory ball change at this meeting.
There are understood to be no major changes to the playing conditions in the upcoming season. However, there may be some new guidelines for the teams on jerseys, equipment, and promotional activities.