RCB's Nuwan Thushara likely to miss IPL 2026 after Sri Lanka Cricket denies NOC

Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara is likely to miss out on the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) reportedly refused to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) following the implementation of a strict new fitness policy.

The development is set to come as a significant setback for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are likely to be without the services of their overseas pacer for the upcoming season. According to reports, the Sri Lankan board now permits players to participate in overseas franchise leagues only if they meet newly introduced physical performance benchmarks, part of a broader effort to tighten fitness standards across the national pool.

Although Thushara is not currently dealing with any injury concerns and remains available to bowl, his fitness is understood to have fallen short of the levels required by SLC during recent assessments. As a result, his NOC to participate in IPL 2026 has been withheld, effectively ruling him out of the tournament unless there is a late change in decision.

Under the revised regulations, SLC has made it mandatory for players to clear these fitness tests before being granted permission to feature in overseas competitions, including the IPL and the Pakistan Super League. Thushara's participation was contingent on successfully meeting these criteria, but reports indicate that he did not achieve the required benchmarks.

According to Newswire Sri Lanka, SLC's decision could have financial implications for the pacer, potentially costing him his RCB contract, which is reportedly valued at around Rs 1.6 crore. More importantly, the setback adds to a challenging period in Thushara's international career.

The fast bowler had featured prominently during Sri Lanka's campaign in the 2025 Asia Cup, where he emerged as a key option in the pace attack. However, he subsequently fell out of favour ahead of the T20 World Cup, despite the national side grappling with multiple injuries among its fast bowlers.

The board’s no-compromise stance has, however, seen several other Sri Lankan players successfully meet the required standards and secure NOCs for IPL 2026. Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis are among those who have cleared the benchmarks and been granted permission to participate.

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