New Delhi, March 26 -- Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were dealt with a major blow after pacer Nuwan Thushara was reportedly denied No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) ahead of the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL). The development comes just two days before RCB begin their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru.

According to Sri Lankan media outlet Newswire, Thushara had failed to clear the fitness test, resulting in the cricket board refusing the fast-bowler a NOC to play in IPL 2026. Having impressed with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Thushara was bought by RCB for Rs.1.6 crores ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. He was among the re...