New Delhi: Pacer Nuwan Thushara has reportedly filed a legal case against the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with the Colombo District Court to seek an order that will force the board to allow him to play in the ongoing IPL 2026, by issuing the No Objection Certificate (NOC).
He is currently contracted with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The fast bowler was retained by the Bengaluru-based franchise for the ongoing season after being first acquired at the IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 1.6 crore. He has played eight matches in the IPL and has picked up 9 wickets at an economy rate of 9.43.
Thushara threatens to retire from international cricket
The full hearing of the case is scheduled for April 9. Thushara has played 30 T20I matches for Sri Lanka since 2022 and has taken 36 wickets at an economy rate of 8.16. The pacer has pleaded in the court that his contract with the SLC ended on March 31, and had no desire to extend it.
Thushara said he had told the board about his wish to end his international career. Therefore, the refusal of NOC due to failed fitness tests should not be considered by the court. However, he said that his fitness levels were never found wanting and had been allowed to feature at similar levels by the Sri Lanka board previously.
Overall, Thushara has picked up 174 wickets in 137 T20 matches at an average of 21.25. The Sri Lankan board had made fitness tests compulsory to be picked for the national team. The fast bowler has not suffered any injury and remains available to bowl, but his fitness is a big concern, which is below the required levels.
As a result, his NOC to play for RCB in the IPL 2026 has been withheld. Under the new rules, the SLC has made it compulsory for the players to clear all the fitness tests before getting the NOC to feature in the T20 leagues around the world, including the IPL and PSL.