Colombo, Sri Lanka – Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has taken legal action against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), filing a case in the Colombo District Court seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The matter was taken up in court today and has been scheduled for a hearing on April 9.
In his court filing, Thushara named SLC President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants.
Thushara’s complaint states that he was selected by Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL, having previously played in the tournament in 2024 and 2025 after obtaining NOCs from SLC. However, according to the filing, SLC has refused to issue the 2026 NOC, citing failure to meet prescribed fitness standards.
The cricketer argues that his contract with SLC ended on March 31, 2026, and that he had already informed the board of his intention not to renew his contract and step away from international cricket. Thushara claims he had also been told that he would not be selected for future national duties, making the refusal to grant an NOC on fitness grounds unjustified.
He further asserts that his current fitness levels are consistent with his career standards, and that similar fitness benchmarks had not previously prevented SLC from issuing him NOCs. Thushara warns that failure to issue the NOC could result in his replacement by his IPL franchise, causing a significant loss of income and future career opportunities.
The cricketer is seeking a court declaration confirming his entitlement to the NOC, along with interim and permanent injunctions directing SLC to issue the certificate, thereby allowing him to participate in the IPL and other overseas leagues.
The case will return to the Colombo District Court on April 9, 2026, for the next hearing.
