This time around, the unavailability of foreign players for IPL 2026, seems to be going a bit of of hand. There are a few on the injured list, some have joined their teams but will be fit to play at a later date, while some are being denied NOC’s by their board to participate in the tournament.
Now, Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara is all set to miss the IPL 2026, as he did not get the necessary NOC from the board. following new, strict fitness policy. The SLC made it clear, that the selected players will have to undergo a fitness test, in order to play a T20 league.
Thushara, who was to play for RCB… his absence could leave the defending champs in a lot of trouble. Now, he is most likely to lose out on his INR 1.6 Cr contract. This development comes after, there is still a lot of discussion about Josh Hazlewood’s fitness. On the other hand, other Sri Lankan players like Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis have already cleared the tests, and are ready to play in the IPL.
Kusal Perera remains the only player, who got the NOC for PSL, without undergoing a fitness test. That is because, as per sources, he isn’t under any national selection plans.
RCB’s Pace-bowling issues
Even though RCB is still quite well-equipped, that means they would be three quality pacers short. Of course, Hazlewood will be with the team, but one does not know, when he will be match-fit. Plus, there won’t be any Yash Dayal this season for RCB, who is dealing with his own legal issues.
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Bethell, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Dar, Swapnil Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Otswal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan.
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