In a shocking development, Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara is reportedly ready to give up his international career to join Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2026.
Actually, Nuwan Thushara has failed the mandatory fitness test, and that is why the fast bowler has not been given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and he missed the defending champions’ IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28.
Nuwan Thushara fails fitness test, another failure could lead to temporary ban
SLC CEO Ashley de Silva confirmed that Thushara could not score the required marks in the fitness assessment. Out of a total of 29 points in five different fitness areas, the fast bowler was able to score only 16 points, which is short of the 17-point pass mark set by the Sri Lankan board.
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This means that NOC will not be issued to Thushara until he meets the fitness standards. Thushara is now expected to miss RCB’s second match against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru on April 5. The positive side is that Thushara can give another fitness test, but he will have to wait for four to five days before attempting again and this time it will help him improve his fitness.
However, if the Sri Lankan fast bowler fails the fitness test for the second time, he may be banned from playing any competitive cricket for a period of time to be determined by the SLC. Amid serious concerns over his future in both domestic and international cricket, the bowler is considering doing something drastic.
Nuwan Thushara is likely to leave Sri Lanka to join RCB in IPL 2026
In fact, Nuwan Thushara has reportedly asked Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) not to include him in the national contract after he failed the required fitness test to get clearance to play for the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2026.
The fitness regimen has always been strict, and Thushara’s failure to meet the standards has forced the fast bowler to focus solely on franchise cricket, even if it means quitting international cricket.
End for Nuwan Thushara for SLC?
The Sri Lankan fast bowler has reportedly asked Sri Lanka Cricket not to include him in a national contract after he failed the required fitness test to join Royal Challengers Bangalore for the current Indian Premier League season.… pic.twitter.com/mOU4WQdczO
– Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) 30 March 2026
Currently, RCB are on top of the points table with a huge net run rate of +2.907 with two points from their big win over SRH, followed by Mumbai Indians with the same number of points.
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Nuwan Thushara’s IPL journey
Thushara is known for his Malinga style sling action. The Sri Lankan fast bowler made his IPL debut in 2024 with Mumbai Indians, who picked him up for ₹4.80 crore, and had a good first season with 8 wickets in 7 matches.
In 2025, RCB signed him for ₹1.60 crore, and although he played only one game, he was part of their first title win. RCB had retained him for the ongoing IPL 2026, hoping that he would play a bigger role, but the fitness setback has now become a major headache for both the player and the franchise.
Overall, the fast bowler has 9 wickets in 8 matches, including best figures of 3/28 in the IPL.
