Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has still not reported to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2026, and there is no clear indication yet on when he could join the squad. There is also uncertainty around whether Sri Lanka Cricket will grant the fitness clearance required for the process of releasing players for the league, with Cricbuzz reporting the situation on Monday.
The 28-year-old was snapped up by LSG for a base price of Rs 2 crore, but he has not completed the fitness assessment that Sri Lanka Cricket requires before issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for IPL participation. Until that step is completed, his availability for the tournament remains in doubt. Hasaranga is currently working his way back from a hamstring issue.
As per the report, Hasaranga recently took part in a batting session at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, but did not bowl during the session. He has been sidelined for close to two months after a left hamstring tear. His most recent match action came in Sri Lanka’s opening fixture of the T20 World Cup against Ireland on February 8.
“We don’t have any concrete update on Wanindu Hasaranga,” a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. With the timeline still unclear, LSG are now weighing the option of exploring replacement choices for the Sri Lankan spinner.
Among the names being considered from the replacement pool are Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed.
Hasaranga’s delay arrives at a time when several IPL franchises have been increasingly wary about overseas players not arriving after being selected at the auction’s base price. In 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad had raised a complaint, and the league subsequently introduced measures that allow sanctions against overseas players who withdraw after the auction.
LSG, meanwhile, began their IPL 2026 campaign on Sunday with their first victory of the season. Under the leadership of captain Rishabh Pant, the team secured a home win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), prevailing by five wickets to register their first triumph.
Elsewhere in the IPL ecosystem, there are encouraging signs for Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who is part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has started bowling in the nets at the Premadasa Stadium, though not at full intensity, and the franchise remains hopeful that he will be available later in the season.
