Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara has officially withdrawn his legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket, bringing an end to a widely discussed dispute surrounding his participation in the IPL 2026 season. The Colombo District Court accepted Thushara’s request to withdraw the petition, closing a case that had sparked debate within Sri Lankan cricket circles.
The fast bowler had earlier approached the court after being denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the board—a mandatory clearance required for players to feature in overseas franchise leagues like the Indian Premier League.
The issue arose from SLC’s decision to withhold clearance because Thushara failed to meet newly introduced fitness standards. Specifically, he fell short in the board’s 2-km run test benchmark. The pacer, who has represented Sri Lanka in around 30 T20 Internationals since his debut in 2022, challenged the ruling, claiming it unfairly restricted his professional opportunities.
ALSO READ: Kris Srikkanth Slams LSG, Criticises Batting Collapse After Defeat In IPL 2026
Thushara had been signed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026 and was expected to play a key role in their pace attack. His legal move was notable, as it is rare for a Sri Lankan cricketer to challenge the board’s policies in court, particularly on matters related to fitness and selection criteria.
🚨NUWAN THUSARA APPOLOGIES🚨
– Nuwan Thusara apologises and is now ready to withdraw the case against SLC. pic.twitter.com/bZUDARWaRR
— Avay Sha (@avay_69) April 11, 2026
However, during the latest hearing, Thushara’s legal representatives informed the court that the player no longer wished to pursue the case. With a significant portion of the IPL season already completed, continuing the legal battle offered little practical benefit.
Following the withdrawal, the court dismissed the case. Thushara also issued an apology to Sri Lanka Cricket and signalled his intention to move forward, indicating a willingness to rebuild his relationship with the board after weeks of tension.
ALSO READ: MS Dhoni Return Uncertain As Chennai Super Kings Coach Offers Key Update Ahead of MI Clash
The 29-year-old had previously featured in IPL 2024 and 2025, including a stint with the Mumbai Indians, where he impressed with eight wickets in his debut season. Despite this setback, Thushara remains a promising T20 asset, and his focus now shifts back to international cricket and future franchise opportunities.
