In a rare and dramatic development, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler Nuwan Thushara Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been taken to court after being denied permission to play in IPL 2026. The fast bowler, who was picked up by the defending champions for ₹1.6 crore in the 2025 mega auction, is now fighting for his right to participate in the tournament.
Thushara filed his petition in the Colombo District Court on April 2, naming SLC’s top executives, including Chairman Shammi Silva and CEO Ashley de Silva, as respondents. The case is scheduled to be heard on April 9 and could set an important precedent for how player availability is handled in franchise cricket.
At the heart of the controversy is SLC’s refusal to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is a mandatory requirement for players to participate in foreign leagues like the IPL.
Fitness controversy at the center of controversy
According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Thushara was denied NOC as he failed to meet the newly introduced fitness standards. The board has implemented a points-based system, where players must score a minimum of 17 points out of 29 across five fitness parameters to be eligible for overseas leagues.
This policy has reportedly been applied to other players as well, including high-profile names like Mathisha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, both of whom have struggled with injuries recently.
However, Thushara has strongly challenged this decision. “My fitness has remained constant” This has been his central argument, as he insists that his physical condition has not deteriorated. He also pointed out that he had no problem in getting NOC for the previous IPL seasons in 2024 and 2025 under similar circumstances.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Thushara revealed that his central contract with SLC had expired on March 31, 2026 and he had already informed the board about not renewing it. From his perspective, this effectively means that he is no longer bound by national commitments.
“I was told I was not in the national selection plans” This is another important claim that he has made, raising the question as to why the board would restrict his participation if it is not even a part of their future plans.
Impact on franchise cricket
For Thushara, the consequences of this decision go far beyond missing a few matches. He has argued in the court that failure to obtain the NOC could lead to RCB terminating his contract, leading to both financial loss and lost career opportunities.
Through his petition, he is seeking official recognition of his right to obtain the NOC, as well as immediate and long-term orders directing the SLC to grant the same.
Meanwhile, RCB have made a strong start to their IPL 2026 campaign. Register an easy win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, Thushara’s absence could affect their bowling depth, especially in the death overs, where his unique sling action – often compared to Lasith Malinga – makes him a valuable asset.
If we look at his track record, Thushara has been a consistently good performer in T20 cricket. Since making his international debut in 2022, he has represented Sri Lanka in 30 T20Is. Across all T20 competitions, he has taken 174 wickets in 137 matches at an impressive average of 21.25. He was also part of RCB’s title-winning team in 2025, although he had limited game time.
Also read: IPL 2026 – RCB star Virat Kohli responds to ‘foreign player’ tag after visiting London
Beyond the personal matter, this legal battle has given rise to a huge conversation in the cricket world. This raises important questions about how much control the board should have over players, especially when they are not centrally contracted or part of national schemes.
With a court hearing scheduled for April 9, the outcome could have significant implications – not just for Thushara, but for players around the world who rely on franchised leagues for opportunities.
Whether the court rules in his favor or supports the board’s authority, the case highlights the growing tension between player freedom and administrative control in modern cricket.
Right now, all eyes are on Colombo, as the cricket world waits to see whether Thushara gets the green light to join RCB – or whether his IPL 2026 journey ends before it even begins.
Also read: IPL 2026 – Kevin Pietersen picks 4 teams to reach the playoffs after the first week of action
