Kamal Ghorui
Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has approached the Colombo District Court seeking legal intervention to allow him to play in the 2026 Indian Premier League. Thushara has filed a case against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), requesting that the board be ordered to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for his participation. The matter was heard in court today and is scheduled for a full hearing on 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, who was picked by Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL, highlighted that he had previously played in the 2024 and 2025 editions after receiving NOCs from SLC. However, the board has refused to grant the 2026 NOC, citing that he did not meet the prescribed fitness standards. The pacer maintains that his contract with SLC ended on March 31, 2026, and that he had already informed the board of his decision not to renew it and to step away from international cricket. He argued that he had also been informed he would not be selected for national duties, making the refusal to issue an NOC on fitness grounds unreasonable. Thushara further stated that his current fitness levels are consistent with those maintained throughout his career and that similar standards had not prevented SLC from issuing NOCs in the past. He warned that failing to obtain the NOC would force him to be replaced by his IPL franchise, resulting in a loss of income and career opportunities. Through the court, Thushara is seeking a declaration confirming his entitlement to the NOC, along with interim and permanent orders directing SLC to issue the certificate, ensuring his eligibility for the IPL and other overseas leagues. The court has fixed the next hearing for April 9.
