A contract decision off the field has escalated into a legal battle that could shape player-board dynamics in franchise cricket for Sri Lankan players.
Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has moved court in a bid to secure his participation in IPL 2026 after being denied clearance by his national board, according to a report by Sri Lankan-based media outlet Newswire.
Dispute centres on IPL participation clearance
At the heart of the case is Sri Lanka Cricket’s refusal to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a mandatory requirement for players to participate in overseas leagues such as the IPL.
Thushara, who has been signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the 2026 season, has challenged the decision legally, seeking court intervention to compel the board to grant the NOC and allow him to play. The matter has already been presented before the Colombo District Court, with further proceedings scheduled for April 9.
The legal filing names multiple senior officials within Sri Lanka Cricket, including President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva, underlining the seriousness of the dispute.
Contract status and fitness at centre of disagreement
The conflict stems from Sri Lanka Cricket’s decision to deny the NOC on fitness grounds, with the board reportedly determining that the pacer did not meet required standards.
However, Thushara’s position is built around a different set of circumstances. His central contract with the board concluded on March 31, and he had already communicated his decision not to renew it, effectively stepping away from international commitments.
The pacer has argued that he had also been informed he was not in consideration for national selection, raising questions over the basis for restricting his participation in franchise cricket.
He further maintains that his fitness levels remain consistent with those maintained throughout his career, noting that similar benchmarks had not prevented him from receiving NOCs for previous IPL editions in 2024 and 2025.
The fast bowler was previously acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 1.6 crore (approx. US$ 172K) and featured in the 2025 season, where the franchise went on to secure the title.
