In a shocking development, Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara is reportedly ready to give up his international career to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026.
Actually, Nuwan Thushara has failed the mandatory fitness test, and that’s why the pacer has not been given a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and he ended up missing the defending champions’ IPL 2026 opener against the 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 meet the required score in the fitness assessment. Out of a total of 29 points across five different fitness areas, the fast bowler managed only 16, falling short of the 17-point pass mark set by the Sri Lankan board.
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This means Thushara will not be issued an NOC until he meets the fitness standards. Thushara is now expected to miss RCB’s second match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 in Bengaluru. The positive side is that Thushara can take another fitness test, but he will have to wait for four to five days before attempting it again, and this time will help him to improve his fitness.
However, if the Sri Lankan pacer fails the fitness test a second time, he could be banned from playing any competitive cricket for some time set by the SLC. Amidst the serious concerns over his future in both domestic and international cricket, the bowler is mulling over something drastic.
Nuwan Thushara is likely to quit Sri Lanka to join RCB IPL 2026
Actually, Nuwan Thushara has reportedly asked Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) not to include him in the national contract after failing the mandatory fitness test required to get clearance to play for the defending champions, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in the ongoing IPL 2026.
Fitness rules have always been strict, and Thushara’s failure to meet the standards has forced the pacer to focus entirely on franchise cricket, even if it means skipping international cricket.
🚨 End of Nuwan Thushara for SLC?
The Sri Lankan fast bowler has reportedly told Sri Lanka Cricket not to include him in the national contract after he failed the mandatory fitness test required to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the current Indian Premier League season.… pic.twitter.com/mOU4WQdczO
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) March 30, 2026
Currently, RCB leading the points table with two points from big win over SRH with the massive net run rate of +2.907 following by Mumbai Indians with the same points.
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Nuwan Thushara’s IPL journey
Thushara is known for his Malinga-style sling action. Sri Lankan fast bowler made his IPL debut in 2024 with Mumbai Indians, who picked him for ₹4.80 crore, and he had a decent first season with 8 wickets from 7 matches.
In 2025, RCB signed him for ₹1.60 crore, and although he played only one game, he was part of their first-ever title win. He was retained by the RCB for the ongoing IPL 2026, expecting him to play a bigger role, but the fitness setback has now become a big headache for both the player and the franchise.
Overall, the pacer has 9 wickets from 8 games, including the best figures of 3/28, in the IPL to his name.