Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has rejected a report claiming that 19 national players had failed the Physical Performance Test, stating the information circulated was factually incorrect.
In a statement, SLC said the report aired on April 3 was “factually incorrect and baseless”, adding that the information had been published without proper verification and had caused reputational damage to Sri Lanka Cricket, its players and the game.
According to SLC, the following players have successfully passed the Physical Performance Test conducted between February and April 2026 as part of the quarterly player review:
Akila Dananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Udara, Maheesh Theekshana and Prabath Jayasuriya.
Sri Lanka Cricket further clarified that Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Binura Fernando and Lahiru Kumara have not yet undergone the Physical Performance Test due to reasons such as ongoing rehabilitation and related circumstances.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal welcomed the correction, while calling for an investigation into those responsible for spreading false information.
“After I exposed the misinformation published by the media, they have now corrected it, and I appreciate the move. However, it is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to investigate and identify those who intended to spread such false and misleading information against the players,” Chandimal said.
He added that regardless of how long he continues to represent Sri Lanka, he remains committed to maintaining his fitness and giving priority to the national team.
“I don’t know how many more years I will represent my country, but as long as I am up for selection, I will maintain my standards of fitness and give my utmost priority to this game and the people who believe in us,” he said.
Chandimal also expressed gratitude to fans, noting that representing Sri Lanka was more than a profession.
“For us this is not just a profession, it is a responsibility, a pride and a privilege to wear the Sri Lankan jersey. To all the fans who have been with us through everything — your support is more than words can express. We play for you, and we will always give our best,” he added.
In a separate comment made during a programme aired yesterday, the television channel said the details carried in its earlier report had been provided by a senior Sri Lanka Cricket official. (Newswire)