New Delhi, April 2 – Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a case in the Colombo District Court, seeking legal intervention after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refused to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the 2026 Indian Premier League.
The case was heard on Thursday, with the court scheduling the next hearing for April 9. In his petition, Thushara has named SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants.
Thushara had secured a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the 2026 IPL, having previously participated in the tournament with the board's approval in the last two seasons. However, SLC is believed to have withheld the NOC this time, citing his failure to meet required fitness benchmarks, according to News Wire Sri Lanka.
Thushara has contested the decision, stating that his central contract with the board expires on March 31, 2026, and that he had already communicated his intention not to renew it. He further claimed that he has effectively been excluded from national selection plans, making the board's stance on fitness grounds inconsistent and unjustified.
In his plea, the bowler maintained that his fitness levels remain consistent with those of previous years, during which he was granted NOCs to participate in overseas leagues, including the IPL. He argued that the refusal to issue the clearance now lacks merit, especially given the absence of any change in his physical condition.
The petition also highlighted the professional and financial implications of the decision, noting that failure to obtain the NOC could result in his replacement by the franchise, a loss of significant earnings, and potential setbacks to his career in global T20 competitions.
Thushara has sought judicial relief in the form of a declaration affirming his right to receive the NOC, along with interim and permanent orders directing SLC to grant him permission to compete in the IPL and other international leagues. The case will next be heard on April 9, as the dispute between the player and the national board continues to unfold.
