Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to kick off their campaign in the IPL 2026 on the opening day of the season against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28 (Saturday).
However, the franchise have been in trouble before the start of the tournament as they have been riddled wih injuries and absences. Their captain and star Australian pace Pat Cummins has still not received an NOC from Cricket Australia, and is confirmed to miss the first few games. Ishan Kishan has replaced him as the skipper of the franchise in the interim. Now there has been some massive development regarding this.
Despite not being cleared, Pat Cummins is set to travel to India for the IPL 2026 on March 24, four days before SRH’s first game of the tournament. However, despite his presence, it will be who will travel to Mumbai to attend the captains’ meeting on Match 25 (Wednesday) in Mumbai. This will start at 12 pm and end with a meeting with BCCI officials that will last from 4.30 pm to 6 pm.
Eshan Malinga Cleared By SLC
According to the Cricbuzz report, Sunrisers Hyderabad have received another major boost before the the start of IPL 2026. Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga, who was doubtful due to injury, has been cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and will play the entire duration of the IPL 2026.
He will travel to jojn the SRH squad alongside Sri Lanka teammate Kamindu Mendis, who has also been cleared by the BCCI.
On the other hand, Matheesha Pathirana (KKR), Wanindu Hasaranga (LSG) and Nuwan Thushara (RCB) are yet to be cleared by the SLC, as their IPL 2026 fates hand in the balance.
Coming back to SRH, they have had Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards ruled out of the season due to a foot injury.