Nuwan Thushara Denied NoC by Sri Lanka Cricket As Josh Hazlewood Joins RCB Camp Amid Injury

RCB face a double blow ahead of IPL 2026 as Nuwan Thushara is denied NoC over fitness issues, while Josh Hazlewood joins the squad but remains an early injury concern.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru could be forced into a key reshuffle ahead of IPL 2026, with developments surrounding Nuwan Thushara and Josh Hazlewood shaping their bowling plans.

RCB are likely to miss the services of Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara after he was reportedly denied a No Objection Certificate (NoC) by Sri Lanka Cricket. The decision stems from the board’s strict fitness protocols, which require players to meet specific physical performance benchmarks before participating in overseas leagues.

Although Thushara is not currently injured, reports suggest he has not met the required fitness standards set by the board. As a result, his clearance to feature in IPL 2026 has been withheld.

The Sri Lankan board had earlier made it mandatory for all contracted players to pass a Physical Performance Test. Players like Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis were granted NoCs after successfully meeting these standards.

Chaminda Vaas Questions Timing of SLC’s Decision

The move has sparked debate within the cricketing fraternity, with Sri Lanka legend Chaminda Vaas expressing concern over the timing of such strict enforcement.

“Fitness is extremely important when it comes to cricket, there is no doubt about that. But you can’t ignore it for years and then suddenly enforce strict standards just before the IPL. A player missing out now feels more like poor planning than discipline,” Vaas said.

His remarks highlight broader concerns about consistency in policy implementation and its impact on players’ opportunities in global leagues.

Hazlewood Boost, But Injury Clouds Remain

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has officially linked up with the RCB squad ahead of IPL 2026, offering a major boost to their pace attack. The franchise confirmed his arrival via social media, underlining his importance to the team’s plans.

However, RCB may still have to manage without him in the initial phase of the tournament, as the Australian pacer continues to recover from hamstring and Achilles issues. These injuries had previously ruled him out of key assignments, including the home Ashes and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

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Hazlewood was instrumental in RCB’s previous IPL triumph, picking up 22 wickets in 12 matches at an impressive average of 17.54, making his full return crucial for the franchise’s title defence.