Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a legal petition against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). He is seeking a court order to force the board to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
This certificate is required for him to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
The Fitness Dispute
The cricket board denied Thushara the NOC because they claim he failed to meet the required fitness standards. However, the 31-year-old pacer disagrees with this decision. He told the Colombo District Court that his current fitness levels are the same as they have been throughout his career.
He also pointed out that the board gave him clearance to play in previous IPL seasons with these same fitness levels. Thushara has named top SLC officials as defendants in his case, including the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and CEO.
Contract And Retirement
Thushara’s central contract with Sri Lanka Cricket ended on March 31, 2026. He stated that he had already informed the board that he did not want to renew his contract. He also shared his plans to step away from international cricket to focus on T20 leagues.
The bowler argues that since he is no longer being considered for the national team, the board has no reason to block his participation in the IPL.
Financial Impact And Next Steps
The fast bowler was retained by RCB for Rs 1.6 crore after being signed in the 2025 mega auction. He has played eight IPL matches so far and has taken nine wickets. Thushara warned the court that he could suffer major financial losses if he is not allowed to play. He mentioned that RCB might replace him if he remains unavailable.
The Colombo District Court has scheduled a hearing for this case on April 9. Until then, Thushara will likely miss his team’s upcoming matches.
