RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara sues Sri Lanka Cricket over IPL 2026 participation; What has happened exactly? Explained

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Sri Lankan recruit Nuwan Thushara has filed a lawsuit at the Colombo District Court on Thursday, seeking an order directing the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to issue a No Objection certificate (NOC) which will enable him to play in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Having joined RCB in 2025, Thushara was retained by the defending champions for the 2026 season.

Thushara's legal move came days after he was refused NOC by the SLC, citing failure to meet the prescribed fitness standards. According to a Newswire report, Thushara named SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants in his plaint.

The case will be heard at the Colombo District Court on April 9.

Why Nuwan Thushara had to take legal route?

Based on the Newswire report, Thushara, who had previously played for Mumbai Indians (2024) and RCB (2025) in IPL after receiving NOCs from SLC, argued that his contract with the country's board expired on March 31, 2026. Additionally, Thushara had already informed SLC that he does not wish to renew his contract and step away from international cricket.

Thushara also stated he had already been informed about his future with Sri Lanka cricket. “He further states that he had already been informed he would not be selected for national duties and therefore the refusal to grant an NOC based on fitness grounds was unjustified,” the report read.

The 31-year-old right-arm pacer told the court that if not issued NOC by SLC, it would result him being replaced by his IPL franchise, along with an additional loss in income and future career opportunities. In his appeal to the court, Thushara also claimed his fitness levels were consistent like throughout his career.

Nuwan Thushara's stats in IPL

Thushara made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians in 2024 after being roped in by the five-time champions for ₹4.8 crore in the auction. With a Lasith Malinga-type action, Thushara made an instant impact with the ball taking eight wickets in seven matches. His ability to contain runs at death also earned him the reputation of a death over specialist.

However, at RCB, Thushara could only manage just one wicket in a single game that he played. For the national team, Thushara played 30 T20Is, scalping 36 wickets after making his debut in 2022 against Australia. As far as IPL 2026 is concerned, RCB started their title defense with a eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener.

The defending champions will take on five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their next clash, also known as IPL's Southern Derby on April 5 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, CSK have already lost their IPL 2026 opener to Rajasthan Royals a couple of days before.

Catch the live updates from IPL 2026 with the complete IPL 2026 Schedule and the IPL 2026 Points Table. Also, know who are currently leading the charts in IPL 2026 Orange Cap and IPL 2026 Purple Cap.