Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Officer Ashley de Silva has made it clear that there will be no compromise on player fitness as the board intensifies its crackdown on unfit national cricketers. 🏏
Responding to recent media reports about a stricter fitness regimen, de Silva stressed that passing the mandatory tests would remain a prerequisite for central contracts and participation in overseas franchise leagues.
“The annual contracts of national players lapsed on Tuesday (31 March),” de Silva told themorning.com. “Before the new contracts are signed, it is the national selectors who will inform us who has passed the physical fitness tests. If players have not got through the test, they will not be eligible for a new contract.”
The firm stance comes amid reports that fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, who was denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after failing the test, had indicated to the board not to consider him for a fresh contract. His participation with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, reportedly worth INR 1.6 crore, depended on clearing the fitness benchmark.
“No player is bigger than the game and we intend to implement this new mechanism to the very letter,” de Silva emphasized, adding that reputation or seniority would not influence selection decisions.
The new system has been implemented with the concurrence of incoming head coach Gary Kirsten, who is expected to prioritise athleticism and injury prevention. SLC has already mandated that players must pass fitness assessments before being granted clearance to compete in leagues such as the Pakistan Super League.
A startling statistic from the recently conducted tests revealed that only 12 out of 46 players achieved the required fitness standards, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Sri Lanka cricket. The disappointing results come on the back of Sri Lanka’s struggles at the recent T20 World Cup, where injuries to frontline bowlers forced selectors to field a weakened side.
Meanwhile, several players including Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis have already secured NOCs after meeting the requirements. However, Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are yet to complete the tests as they continue rehabilitation.
According to SLC sources, the assessment includes skinfold measurements to monitor body fat, a two-kilometre endurance run, 20-metre sprint, agility drills and a counter-movement jump.
The message from SLC is unmistakable. Fitness will be non-negotiable as Sri Lanka looks to rebuild and compete with the world’s best.
