Opening Match and Team Preparations
- The Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin its 2026 season this Saturday. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the opening match of the season. The match will feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru competing against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- RCB has begun its operational work through a combination of favorable and unfavorable news.
Josh Hazlewood Joins RCB Squad
- Josh Hazlewood has arrived at the RCB camp. His presence lets the team improve their bowling capabilities. His presence will not be available for the team during their first matches.
- Hazlewood is still recovering from injuries. The team management will postpone his return to match action because of his current condition. He will probably return after several games.
- In the previous IPL season, Hazlewood played an important role in RCB’s title win.
- He took 22 wickets in 12 matches He contributed to RCB’s overall bowling strength His performance supported the team’s championship campaign
Absence of Nuwan Thushara
- Nuwan Thushara will not be part of the RCB squad for now. The reason is the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket.
- The board requires all players to meet specific fitness standards before they can join the IPL.
- Players must pass a fitness test Only fit players receive NOCs Unfit players cannot join IPL teams
- Thushara did not meet the required fitness level. The board denied him an NOC because of this reason. Reports indicate that he is not injured but lacks match fitness.
Other Sri Lankan Players Cleared
- Some Sri Lankan players successfully passed the fitness test and received NOCs.
- Dushmantha Chameera Pathum Nissanka Kamindu Mendis
- These players will now be able to compete in the IPL 2026 season.
Chaminda Vaas Criticizes Fitness Policy
Former cricketer Chaminda Vaas criticized the approach taken by Sri Lanka Cricket.
He agreed that fitness is important in cricket. However, he raised concerns about the timing of strict enforcement.
- He stated that fitness rules should be consistent
- He said sudden enforcement before the IPL creates problems
- He added that missing opportunities at this stage reflects poor planning
According to Vaas, the issue is not only about discipline but also about long-term management decisions.
