Royal Challengers Bangalore will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but the team has received a setback ahead of the opening match.
Nuwan Thushara NOC Issue
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore have been dealt a setback ahead of the start of IPL 2026 as overseas fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has not been granted a No Objection Certificate. According to reports, Sri Lanka Cricket has not issued the NOC to the fast bowler due to its newly implemented fitness policy, which he has not fully cleared.
Reason for NOC Denial
As per a report by Newswire.lk, Sri Lanka Cricket found Nuwan Thushara unsuccessful in clearing the new fitness test. The board has recently implemented a new fitness policy under which all players participating in overseas T20 leagues must meet mandatory fitness standards. Thushara failed to achieve the required marks in the new physical performance test, and Sri Lanka Cricket has stated that he will be granted an NOC only after meeting the prescribed fitness standards.
Implications for RCB
Royal Challengers Bangalore had retained Nuwan Thushara for INR 1.6 crore ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. The setback is significant for the team as Thushara played an important role in their pace bowling attack in the previous season. If he does not obtain the NOC in time, the team may need to make changes to their bowling lineup for the opening match. The team management will have to determine a replacement for him in his absence.
Nuwan Thushara IPL Career
Nuwan Thushara, aged 31, made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2024. He has taken 9 wickets in 8 matches so far in the league. He made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka in 2022 and has taken 36 wickets in 30 T20I matches. His economy rate stands at 8.16. He also has three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket performance.
The situation presents a challenge for Royal Challengers Bangalore as they prepare for the opening match, requiring adjustments in both their pace bowling options and match planning in the absence of Nuwan Thushara.
