Nuwan Thushara Challenges Sri Lanka Cricket for IPL Release

Nuwan Thushara, a fast bowler for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has initiated legal proceedings against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after being refused a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to compete in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Thushara has approached the Colombo District Court, seeking an order for SLC to grant him the necessary clearance to join his franchise.

The Colombo District Court is set to hear the case on April 9. The dispute originated when SLC chose not to provide Thushara with an NOC, attributing this to his inability to meet the newly implemented fitness criteria for players wishing to participate in international T20 leagues.

SLC's chief executive, Ashley de Silva, outlined that players need to achieve at least 17 out of 29 points across five specific fitness parameters to be eligible. Reports indicate that Thushara did not meet this requirement, which ultimately led to the denial of his clearance for the IPL.

This situation has garnered increased attention as Thushara asserts that his central contract with SLC lapsed on March 31, and he had already notified the board of his decision to not renew it. The 31-year-old bowler contends that he has previously been allowed to participate in past IPL seasons, and being barred in the current one could result in both a loss of position within RCB and a significant financial impact along with future career prospects.

There are concerns on Thushara's part that RCB might seek an alternative player if the issue regarding the NOC remains unsolved. Following a strong start to their IPL 2026 campaign, RCB currently occupies the second spot on the points table with two points and a notable net run rate of +2.907. The team began the season emphatically, celebrating a six-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB's next match is scheduled against the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, on Sunday, April 5, at the same venue.