Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faces an unexpected challenge ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with overseas pacer Nuwan Thushara reportedly ruled out after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) withheld the necessary No Objection Certificate (NoC) for his participation.
According to reports, the Sri Lankan board has denied Thushara permission to join the IPL, citing his failure to meet the required fitness benchmarks. Although the fast bowler is currently free from injury, SLC enforces strict physical performance standards for contracted players seeking to feature in overseas T20 leagues. The board only issues NoCs to those who successfully clear its compulsory Physical Performance Test.
Just last week, SLC reiterated that all contracted players eyeing IPL 2026 spots must pass this fitness evaluation. The board had no hesitation in granting clearances to Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis once they satisfied the criteria.
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A report from the Sri Lankan news outlet NewsWire highlighted that Thushara has not yet reached the fitness levels demanded by the board. Former Sri Lanka pace great Chaminda Vaas expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of these stringent measures.
“Fitness is extremely important when it comes to cricket, there is no doubt about that. But you can’t ignore it for years and then suddenly enforce strict standards just before the IPL. A player missing out now feels more like poor planning than discipline,” Vaas remarked.
On a more positive note for RCB, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has officially linked up with the squad. The franchise confirmed his arrival via its social media channels, describing the move as a significant reinforcement for their bowling unit, given Hazlewood’s proven track record in international and domestic cricket.
However, Hazlewood will not be available at the start of the tournament as he continues his recovery from hamstring and Achilles injuries. The experienced right-armer previously missed Australia’s home Ashes series against England as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His contribution was pivotal to RCB’s maiden IPL title success, where he claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.54.
This development comes as a blow to RCB’s overseas pace resources just as preparations intensify for the upcoming season. The franchise, which lifted the IPL trophy last year, will now need to recalibrate its bowling plans without Thushara’s services.