Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has approached the court seeking permission to participate in Indian Premier League 2026 after the country’s cricket board refused to grant him the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). The dispute has drawn significant attention in the cricket world, as the bowler was expected to represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming season.
Legal Battle Over IPL Participation
According to reports, the 31-year-old pacer filed a petition in the Colombo District Court, requesting an order directing Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to issue the NOC. The case is scheduled to be heard on April 9, and the outcome will determine whether Thushara can participate in IPL 2026.
The controversy began after Sri Lanka Cricket declined his request for an NOC, citing that the bowler had failed a mandatory fitness test. The cricket board has recently made fitness assessments compulsory for players hoping to be selected for the national team or participate in overseas leagues.
Without the official NOC from the national board, players are not allowed to feature in foreign T20 leagues like the IPL, making the document crucial for Thushara’s participation.
Contract Dispute With Sri Lanka Cricket
In his legal petition, Nuwan Thushara argued that his contract with Sri Lanka Cricket officially ended on March 31, and he has no intention of renewing it. He further stated that he had already informed the board about his decision to step away from international cricket.
According to Thushara’s argument, since he plans to retire from representing Sri Lanka internationally, the board’s refusal to grant the NOC based on fitness standards linked to national selection is unjustified.
The fast bowler has also claimed that his fitness levels have historically never been considered below standard. He pointed out that in previous seasons, Sri Lanka Cricket had allowed him to participate in competitions with the same fitness levels that are now being questioned.
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IPL Contract With Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed Nuwan Thushara for ₹1.6 crore during the 2025 IPL auction. Although he played only one match for the franchise last season, the team saw potential in his unique bowling action and death-over skills.
Thushara has built a solid reputation in the T20 format, particularly for his ability to swing the ball and deliver yorkers in pressure situations. Over the course of his career, he has played 137 T20 matches, claiming 174 wickets at an average of 21.25.
Since making his international debut in 2022, he has also represented Sri Lanka in 30 T20 Internationals, earning recognition as one of the country’s promising limited-overs bowlers.
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What Lies Ahead
The upcoming court hearing could prove crucial not only for Nuwan Thushara but also for other players facing similar contractual disputes with national cricket boards. If the court rules in his favor, he may be able to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026.
For now, the cricketing world awaits the court’s decision on April 9, which will determine whether the Sri Lankan pacer can continue his career in the world’s biggest T20 league.
