Sri Lanka Cricket denies NOC to Nuwan Thushara after failed fitness test; injury concerns linger for Pathirana (KKR) and Hasaranga (LSG)

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered an early setback ahead of IPL 2026, with Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara failing a mandatory fitness test and being denied a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

The development comes at a crucial time for RCB, who are already dealing with the absence of Yash Dayal and uncertainty surrounding Josh Hazlewood’s availability. Thushara’s absence further weakens their bowling attack for the opening phase of the tournament.

According to SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva, Thushara did not meet the required benchmark, scoring below the minimum passing mark of 17 out of 29 across five fitness parameters. As a result, he will miss at least RCB’s opening clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad and could also be unavailable for their second match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5.

However, there is still a window for Thushara to make a comeback. He is eligible to retake the fitness test after a gap of four to five days. Failure to clear the test again could see him sidelined from all forms of representative cricket for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, two other Sri Lankan stars—Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga—are also yet to receive clearance for IPL 2026 due to ongoing injury concerns. Both players have not taken their fitness tests so far, delaying their participation in the league.

Pathirana, who was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 18 crore, is currently recovering from a calf strain that ruled him out midway through the 2026 T20 World Cup. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar had earlier indicated that the pacer is likely to join the squad only around mid-April.

Wanindu Hasaranga, signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 2 crore, is also recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the T20 World Cup. His return timeline remains uncertain, pending fitness clearance from SLC.

With multiple Sri Lankan players facing fitness hurdles, IPL franchises like RCB, KKR, and LSG will be closely monitoring their recovery progress ahead of the crucial early stages of the tournament.