RCB sign Gleeson as replacement for Thushara

CSK have replaced Khaleel Ahmed with Kuldip Yadav

ESPNcricinfo staff

Published: May 15, 2026, 10:00 AM (4 hrs ago)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed England quick Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lanka slinger Nuwan Thushara, who couldn't join the squad for IPL 2026 after being denied a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Gleeson, 38, has previously been part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL. He played two matches for CSK in 2024 and the lone game for MI in 2025. Gleeson has been signed by RCB for INR 1.6 crore.

RCB had signed Thushara for INR 1.6 crore in 2025 and he made one appearance in their title-winning campaign. He was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2026 season, but was denied an NOC by SLC on grounds of him not reaching SLC's required fitness standards.

Thushara had initially filed a lawsuit against SLC over the matter, but he withdrew it and also issued a written apology to the board. In his original court petition, Thushara had also stated his desire to retire from international cricket, but it is unclear whether he intends to stand by that decision or not.

CSK, meanwhile, have named Indian left-arm fast bowler Kuldip Yadav as an injury replacement for Khaleel Ahmed. Khaleel played five matches this season, picking up two wickets at an economy rate of 8.67, before suffering a right quadricep injury against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that ended his campaign.

Kuldip has previously played in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals (RR), making three appearances for them across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. He has been signed by CSK for INR 30 lakh.

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