IPL 2026: Another setback for RCB as star pacer ruled out after Josh Hazlewood | Cricket News
Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League after being denied a No Objection Certificate by Sri Lanka Cricket, following the introduction of a strict new fitness policy. As part of the revised guidelines, the board has made it compulsory for players to meet newly established physical performance benchmarks before receiving clearance to feature in overseas franchise leagues, including the IPL and the PSL. Thushara’s participation hinged on clearing these fitness tests, but reports suggest he fell short of the required standards. According to Newswire Sri Lanka, the board’s decision to withhold the NOC could result in the pacer losing his contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which is believed to be worth around INR 1.6 crore. The development adds to a challenging period for Thushara. After playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s 2025 Asia Cup campaign, he was later sidelined ahead of the T20 World Cup, even as the team dealt with multiple injuries in the pace department. His absence from selection raised concerns about his standing within the national setup. While Thushara is reportedly not dealing with any injury and remains fit to bowl, questions over his overall fitness levels appear to have influenced the selectors’ decision under the new policy framework. The board has taken a firm stance, granting NOCs only to players who meet the prescribed fitness criteria. Several Sri Lankan players, including Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, have cleared the benchmarks and secured approval to participate in the IPL. In contrast, Kusal Janith Perera has been allowed to feature in the PSL without undergoing the fitness tests, with the board clarifying that he is not currently in contention for national selection. At RCB, Thushara had a realistic chance of breaking into the playing XI. With lead overseas pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out at the start of the season and Yash Dayal also unavailable, the franchise was left with limited options. Alongside New Zealand seamer Jacob Duffy, Thushara was among the frontrunners, especially given his prior IPL experience. He was part of RCB in 2025, where he featured in one match and returned figures of 1 for 26 from four overs. The previous season, he represented Mumbai Indians, claiming eight wickets at an average of 32.12.
