Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a setback after the Sri Lankan Cricket Board rejected a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fast bowler Nuwan Thushara after he failed a mandatory fitness test.

Former Sri Lankan captain Chaminda Vaas expressed strong displeasure over the board’s decision.  

“Fitness is key in cricket, no doubt about that. But you can’t ignore it for a year and then suddenly enforce strict rules just ahead of the Indian Premier League,” Vaas said.

“Players missing out on leagues reflects poor planning by the board rather than a lack of discipline,” he added.

Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) clarified that all contracted players wishing to participate in IPL 2026 must clear the mandatory Physical Performance Test.

The board had no hesitation in issuing NOCs to Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis after they successfully met the fitness criteria.

Meanwhile, Australian pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has officially joined RCB ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

The experienced Australian pacer is expected to provide a major boost to RCB’s bowling attack.

However, he will join the squad later in the tournament as he continues to recover from hamstring and Achilles injuries.

Hazlewood missed the home Ashes series against England last year and was also ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

He was one of the standout bowlers for RCB during their championship-winning 2025 season.