A legal battle has unfolded between Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara and Sri Lanka Cricket, with the fast bowler seeking court intervention to participate in IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 31-year-old has approached the Colombo District Court after being denied the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC), a decision that could jeopardise his place in the lucrative tournament.
The matter is expected to be heard on April 9, adding urgency to an already tense situation. At the heart of the dispute are newly introduced fitness regulations by Sri Lanka Cricket. CEO Ashley de Silva clarified that players must meet strict benchmarks across five parameters, requiring a minimum score of 17 out of 29 points to qualify for overseas leagues.
Nuwan Thushara reportedly fell short of this requirement, prompting the board to withhold his NOC. However, the pacer has challenged the decision, arguing that the rules should not apply to him anymore. Thushara claims his central contract with Sri Lanka Cricket expired on March 31 and that he had already communicated his intention not to renew it.
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In his legal filing, he also pointed out that he had received clearance to participate in previous IPL seasons without facing such restrictions, raising questions over the timing and fairness of the new policy.
RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara has been denied an NOC by the SLC – he is eligible to take another fitness test, but only after a gap of four to five days, which means he will not be available for the team’s first few games at least 👉 https://t.co/R6OQ6tm5Rv pic.twitter.com/TlA3RdpT9s
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 27, 2026
Beyond the legal complexities, the situation carries significant professional and financial implications. Thushara has expressed concern that prolonged uncertainty could cost him his spot in the RCB squad, as franchises often move quickly to secure replacements.
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Meanwhile, RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, have made a strong start to IPL 2026. They currently sit near the top of the points table after a convincing win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcasing early momentum in the tournament.
With a high-profile clash against Chennai Super Kings coming up, Thushara is likely to miss the fixture. Whether he joins the squad later in the season now hinges on the court’s verdict, making this one of the most closely watched off-field battles of IPL 2026.
