Sri Lanka Cricket has granted an NOC to fast bowler Eshan Malinga to join Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026. However, three other Sri Lankan players remain in limbo. Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana still await clearance from their board, with the tournament starting on March 28. Reports suggest Hasaranga and Pathirana skipped their fitness tests, which could further delay their arrival in India.
When Will Eshan Malinga Join SRH
The 25 year old right arm quick will travel to Hyderabad on Tuesday after receiving board approval. He will arrive alongside fellow Sri Lankan Kamindu Mendis, who already has clearance from SLC. SRH officials confirmed both players will link up with the squad immediately.
The franchise faces defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 opener on March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Acting captain Ishan Kishan will attend the captains’ meeting in Mumbai on March 25. Regular skipper Pat Cummins will also arrive in Bengaluru on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from a back injury.
What Is the Status of Pathirana, Hasaranga, and Thushara
Each player faces a different situation heading into the season.
- Matheesha Pathirana, KKR’s Rs 18 crore signing, will miss early matches due to his calf injury from the T20 World Cup. KKR has decided to wait for his recovery instead of signing a replacement.
- Wanindu Hasaranga remains a doubt for Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise has received no update on their Rs 2 crore spinner from Sri Lanka Cricket.
- Nuwan Thushara’s availability for RCB depends entirely on his physical performance test results. SLC confirmed they will make a decision based on those outcomes.
Which Sri Lankan Players Already Have Clearance for IPL 2026
| Player | IPL Team | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Eshan Malinga | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Cleared |
| Kamindu Mendis | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Cleared |
| Dushmantha Chameera | TBC | Cleared |
| Pathum Nissanka | Delhi Capitals | Cleared |
| Dasun Shanaka | Rajasthan Royals | Cleared |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Kolkata Knight Riders | Awaiting Clearance |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Lucknow Super Giants | Awaiting Clearance |
| Nuwan Thushara | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Awaiting Clearance |
The staggered approvals from Sri Lanka Cricket add another layer of pre-season uncertainty for franchises already dealing with injuries and overseas player availability issues across the board.
