The Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara is set to miss the upcoming IPL 2026 season after failing SLC’s fitness tests, due to which he was denied a NOC.
The 31-year-old is part of the RCB 2026 squad, and according to reports, Sri Lanka Cricket has introduced mandatory physical performance tests for players seeking permission to participate in overseas franchise leagues such as the IPL and PSL.
Thushara reportedly did not meet the required fitness benchmarks due to which he was denied with NOC. Having a brilliant campaign with Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2024 season, he joined RCB for the 2025 season for INR 1.6 crores and was retained for the 2026 season.
Nuwan Thushara who has been Sri Lanka’s mainstay in 2025 Asia Cup was not considered for T20 World Cup 2026 due to fitness issues.
However, it hasn’t been serious issues as he is capable of bowling in matches.
With Sri Lanka roped in Gary Kirsten as head coach, the SLC has been strict with fitness policy to make a competitive side during international games.
On the other hand, several players like Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis have been cleared by SLC to participate in the IPL for their respective franchises.
However, there is no development on pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who is set to join Kolkata Knight Riders.
Aiming for defending their title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be keen on retaining the pacer for the tournament.
As per the IPL 2026 schedule, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play the opener match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
RCB 2026 Squad: Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, I hate Malhotra
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