Sri Lanka’s ODI captain Charith Asalanka rejected local television reports that he failed the physical fitness assessment and urged media organizations to practice responsible reporting. A local television channel published a list of players who reportedly failed the mandatory physical assessment.
Sri Lanka Cricket has recently implemented strict physical performance standards for all contracted players. Players have to pass these assessments to get no objection certificate for foreign franchise leagues like IPL and PSL. Dinesh Chandimal also dismissed reports that claimed he failed the physical assessment.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka denies report of failed fitness test – report
According to Newswire.lk, Charith Asalanka confirmed that she has passed the mandatory physical test. Sri Lanka Cricket also announced that he has completed all the necessary fitness requirements.
Asalanka received their No Objection Certificate to participate in the upcoming franchise league this year. The physical assessment initiated by Sri Lanka Cricket consists of several stages. Officials use skinfold tests to measure body fat percentage.
Players will also have to complete a two kilometer run to assess stamina. Additionally, they have to undergo a 20-meter sprint, agility drills and counter-movement jumps to evaluate overall fitness.
Earlier, the newswire had reported that 27 out of 46 players achieved the minimum benchmark. These players scored 17 points in five assessments in February. 19 players were below the physical standards set by Sri Lanka Cricket.
This failure rate raised questions about the conditioning of players within the national system. The high number of failures pointed to deeper issues in the fitness and conditioning programs managed by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Separate data from recent trials showed a different result. This suggested that only 12 players out of 46 achieved the required fitness points. Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara was the most notable player among those who failed to meet the required standards.
Charith Asalanka achieved the required fitness points to secure her No Objection Certificate. Other players also showed improvement to meet the standards. Mahesh Theekshana scored 22 points after losing five to six kilograms before joining the Pakistan Super League this season.
Sri Lanka Cricket tightened the physical requirements after the T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka hosted with India. Many frontline bowlers suffered injuries during the tournament. This forced the selectors to field a second-string team and prompted the board to enforce higher professional standards.
The new policy affects players seeking international franchise opportunities. Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis passed their fitness assessment. Sri Lanka Cricket granted them a no objection certificate to compete in the Indian Premier League.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Mathisha Pathirana are yet to undergo the necessary fitness tests. He is currently completing rehabilitation for his injuries. Sri Lanka cricket needs to recover completely before attempting assessment. Officials believe that strict fitness regimens ensure better physical preparation.
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