Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara has filed a case against Sri Lanka Cricket at the Colombo District Court to overturn their decision to deny him a No Objection Certificate for IPL 2026. What makes the case unusual is that Thushara claims SLC cleared him with similar fitness levels in the past two IPL seasons but chose to block him this time despite already telling him he would not be picked for national duty.
The hearing is set for April 9 and the clock is ticking fast. Every match day that passes without resolution brings him closer to losing his RCB contract altogether.
Why Did Sri Lanka Cricket Block Thushara From Playing IPL 2026
SLC refused the NOC after Thushara failed the board’s mandatory fitness test. He scored 17 out of 29 points across five parameters. The board maintained that passing the fitness test is compulsory for obtaining clearance to play in overseas leagues.
Thushara disagrees strongly with the decision. He argues his fitness levels have remained consistent throughout his career. SLC granted him NOCs for IPL 2024 and 2025 without raising any fitness concerns. He also revealed that his SLC contract expired on March 31, 2026, and he had already informed the board he would not renew it.
On top of that, SLC themselves told him he would not feature in future national squads, making the fitness based refusal feel contradictory.
Who Has Thushara Named in His Legal Petition
Thushara has named four senior SLC officials as defendants in the case:
- President Shammi Silva
- Secretary Bandula Dissanayake
- Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda
- CEO Ashley de Silva
He wants the court to declare him entitled to the NOC. He has also sought interim and permanent injunctions directing SLC to issue the certificate immediately so he can join RCB during the ongoing season.
What Does Thushara Stand to Lose Without the NOC
The stakes could not be higher for the fast bowler. Without the NOC, RCB will replace him in their squad. He loses not just his IPL 2026 salary but also future opportunities in global T20 leagues. Having already stepped away from international cricket, the IPL represents his primary source of income and career relevance.
RCB desperately need him too. Josh Hazlewood missed early matches due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. Yash Dayal is unavailable for the entire season.
The defending champions lack reliable overseas pace options and Thushara’s arrival would fill a critical gap in their bowling attack. The April 9 hearing could decide the futures of both player and franchise.
