Nuwan Thushara Files Case Against Sri Lanka Cricket Seeking NOC for IPL 2026

Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a case before the Colombo District Court seeking an order directing Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), allowing him to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

The matter was taken up before the Colombo District Court on Wednesday and has been fixed for hearing on April 9.

Court Action Over IPL Participation

According to court documents, Thushara has named Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and Chief Executive Officer Ashley de Silva as defendants in the case.

The fast bowler states that he was selected by Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL season and was expecting to continue his participation in the tournament after previously featuring in the 2024 and 2025 editions.

Thushara claims that Sri Lanka Cricket had issued him the required NOC in both previous seasons, enabling him to take part in the IPL without issue.

However, SLC has now declined to grant the 2026 NOC, reportedly citing his failure to meet the board’s prescribed fitness standards.

Thushara Challenges SLC’s Fitness Grounds

In his plaint, Thushara argues that the refusal is unfair and unjustified.

He states that his current contract with Sri Lanka Cricket was due to expire on March 31, 2026, and that he had already informed the board that he did not intend to renew the contract.

The cricketer has further told the court that he planned to step away from international cricket following the expiry of his agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket.

According to Thushara, he had already been informed that he would not be selected for future national duties. Therefore, he argues that SLC’s decision to refuse the NOC on fitness grounds cannot be justified, as he would not be representing Sri Lanka in any case.

Thushara has also pointed out that his present fitness levels are similar to those maintained throughout his professional career. He argues that the same fitness standards did not prevent Sri Lanka Cricket from issuing him NOCs in 2024 and 2025.

Fear of Losing IPL Contract

The fast bowler has told the court that the delay in issuing the certificate could have serious consequences for his career.

He claims that if the NOC is not granted in time, his IPL franchise could replace him with another player ahead of the tournament.

Such a decision, he says, would not only result in the loss of significant earnings from the 2026 IPL season, but could also damage his chances of securing future contracts in overseas franchise leagues.

Thushara argues that participation in the IPL is important for his professional future and that being denied the opportunity could have long-term financial and career implications.

Relief Sought From Court

Through the legal action, Thushara is seeking a declaration from the Colombo District Court that he is entitled to receive the NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket.

He is also seeking both interim and permanent injunctions directing Sri Lanka Cricket to issue the certificate immediately, enabling him to take part in the 2026 IPL as well as other overseas leagues.

The case is expected to come up again before the Colombo District Court on April 9, when the court will hear further submissions from both sides.

Growing Interest Ahead of Hearing

The dispute has drawn significant attention within Sri Lankan cricket circles, particularly because of the increasing number of local players choosing to pursue franchise opportunities abroad.

With the April 9 hearing now approaching, attention will be on whether the court orders Sri Lanka Cricket to grant Thushara the NOC and clear the way for his participation in IPL 2026.