RCB’s Nuwan Thushara celebrates (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League after Sri Lanka Cricket denied him a No Objection Certificate following the introduction of strict new fitness rules.As part of the revised guidelines, the management has made it mandatory for players to meet newly set physical performance benchmarks before being cleared to participate in overseas franchise leagues, including the IPL and PSL. Thomhar’s participation was contingent on passing these fitness tests, but reports suggest he did not meet the required standards.
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RCB’s big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute and squad update According to Newswire Sri Lanka, the board’s decision to deny the NOC could lead to the pacer losing his contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which is worth around INR 1.6 million.The development adds to a challenging period for Thesehara. 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 numerous injuries in the pace department. His absence from selection raised concerns about his position in the national set-up.While Thushara is reportedly not dealing with any injury and remains fit to play, questions about his overall fitness seem to have influenced the selectors’ decision under the new policy framework.The board has taken a firm stance and only grants NOCs to players who meet the prescribed fitness criteria. Several Sri Lankan players, including Dushmanth Chameer, Dasun Shanak, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis, have met the criteria and secured approval to participate in the IPL.In contrast, Kusal Janith Perera has been allowed to feature in the PSL without passing fitness tests, with the board clarifying that he is not currently in the running for national selection.At RCB, Thuthhara had a real chance to break into the playing XI. With leading 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, Thesehara was among the front-runners, especially given his previous IPL experience.In 2025, he was part of RCB where he appeared in one match and returned figures of 1 for 26 from four overs. He represented Mumbai Indians in the previous season and took eight wickets at an average of 32.12.
