File image of Nuwan Thushara.© BCCI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara has reportedly filed a court order against top authorities of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after he wasn’t given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in IPL 2026. Thushara was not granted an NOC after he failed to meet prescribed fitness standards. But now, the pacer has filed a case seeking an order to direct SLC to allow him to play the IPL. According to the report, Thushara has also informed the SLC of his desire to not renew his central contract.
As per a report by Sri Lanka-based media outlet NewsWire, Thushara has named Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants in his plaint.
A hearing has been fixed for April 9, with the Colombo District Court taking it up on Thursday.
According to the report, Thushara claims that his contract with SLC was due to expire on March 31, and that he had informed the board of his desire to not renew the contract and to move away from international cricket.
Thushara also reportedly argues that his fitness level remains the same to most of his career, which in the past did not hamper his chances of getting an NOC.
As a result of these conditions, Thushara reportedly finds the decision to not be granted an NOC unjustified, and has therefore moved court.
The Sri Lankan was acquired by RCB for Rs 1.6 crore in 2025, playing one game as the team went on to lift the IPL 2025 title. He has reportedly informed the court that failure to secure an NOC would result in significant financial and opportunity loss for him.
Meanwhile, RCB have made a victorious start to IPL 2026, beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening game.