Sri Lanka Board Denies Thushara IPL 2026 NoC Over Strict Fitness Test Standards

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a significant setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, with Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara reportedly being denied a No Objection Certificate (NoC) by Sri Lanka Cricket. The decision could leave the franchise without one of its key overseas bowling options just days before the tournament begins.

According to reports, Sri Lanka Cricket has enforced strict fitness criteria for its contracted players seeking to participate in overseas leagues. While Thushara is not currently injured, he has reportedly failed to meet the board’s required fitness benchmarks, leading to the withholding of his NoC. The move comes as part of a broader effort by the board to ensure players maintain high physical standards before taking part in international franchise competitions.

The Sri Lankan board had earlier clarified that all players must pass a mandatory Physical Performance Test to be eligible for participation in IPL 2026. Several players, including Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, were granted NoCs after successfully clearing the required standards, highlighting the board’s strict adherence to the policy.

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However, the decision has drawn criticism from former Sri Lankan fast-bowling great Chaminda Vaas, who questioned the timing of the enforcement. He noted that while fitness is crucial in modern cricket, introducing stringent measures abruptly—particularly just ahead of a major tournament like the IPL—could unfairly impact players and franchises alike.

Meanwhile, RCB have received a partial boost with the arrival of Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has joined the squad ahead of the season. The franchise confirmed his inclusion through its official channels, with expectations high given his past performances and experience in high-pressure matches across formats.

Despite his arrival, Hazlewood is unlikely to be available at the start of the tournament as he continues to recover from hamstring and Achilles injuries. His absence in the initial phase, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Thushara, poses a challenge for RCB’s bowling lineup as they prepare to defend their IPL title, with team management likely to reassess combinations in the coming days.

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