Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara may miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) declined to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) under a new fitness policy. The policy requires players to meet specific physical performance standards before participating in overseas leagues like the IPL and Pakistan Super League (PSL). Thushara did not meet these standards, leading to the NOC being withheld.
SLC’s decision could result in Thushara losing his INR 1.6 crore contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as reported by Newswire Sri Lanka. Despite his significant role in Sri Lanka’s 2025 Asia Cup campaign, Thushara faced exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad due to fitness concerns, raising doubts about his future in the national team setup.
While Thushara is currently fit to play, selectors seem to question his overall fitness level, impacting their decision. SLC’s stringent new policy only grants NOCs to players meeting the fitness criteria. Other Sri Lankan players like Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have passed the assessments and received clearance for the IPL.
Kusal Janith Perera was an exception allowed to join the PSL without fitness tests, with SLC clarifying his non-consideration for national selection. Missing the IPL, a prestigious T20 tournament, could be a setback for Thushara in terms of career growth and financial opportunities.
