Sri Lanka Pacer Nuwan Thushara Barred from IPL Under Strict New Fitness Rules
Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League season after Sri Lanka Cricket refused to grant him a No Objection Certificate. This decision follows the board's implementation of a rigorous new fitness policy that mandates all players meet specific physical performance benchmarks before receiving clearance for overseas franchise leagues like the IPL and Pakistan Super League.
Fitness Standards Lead to NOC Withdrawal
Thushara's participation in the IPL was contingent on passing these newly established fitness tests, but reports indicate he did not achieve the required standards. According to sources from Newswire Sri Lanka, the board's firm stance on withholding the NOC could result in the pacer forfeiting his contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, valued at approximately INR 1.6 crore.
This development marks another setback in a challenging period for Thushara. After playing a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's 2025 Asia Cup campaign, he was subsequently omitted from the T20 World Cup squad, even as the national team grappled with multiple injuries among its pace bowlers. His exclusion from selection had already raised questions about his position within the national setup.
Board's Unwavering Stance on Fitness Criteria
While Thushara is reportedly not injured and remains capable of bowling, concerns over his overall fitness levels appear to have influenced the selectors' decisions under the new policy framework. Sri Lanka Cricket has adopted a strict approach, issuing NOCs exclusively to players who satisfy the prescribed fitness criteria.
Several prominent Sri Lankan cricketers have successfully cleared these benchmarks and secured approval for IPL participation. This group includes Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis. In contrast, Kusal Janith Perera has been permitted to play in the PSL without undergoing the fitness tests, with the board clarifying that he is not currently in contention for national selection.
Impact on Royal Challengers Bengaluru
At Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Thushara had a genuine opportunity to secure a spot in the playing XI. With lead overseas pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out at the season's outset and Yash Dayal also unavailable, the franchise faced limited options. Thushara, alongside New Zealand seamer Jacob Duffy, was considered a frontrunner, particularly due to his prior IPL experience.
He was part of RCB in 2025, featuring in one match where he returned figures of 1 for 26 from four overs. The previous season, he represented Mumbai Indians, claiming eight wickets at an average of 32.12. His absence now leaves RCB to reassess their bowling strategy amid these constraints.
The enforcement of this fitness policy underscores Sri Lanka Cricket's commitment to elevating player standards, but it also highlights the personal and professional ramifications for athletes like Thushara who fall short of these new requirements.
