Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a case in the Colombo District Court seeking an order directing Sri Lanka Cricket to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to enable his participation in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The case was taken up before the Colombo District Court today and was fixed for hearing on April 9.
In his plaint, Thushara has named Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants.
Thushara states that he was selected by Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL, having previously participated in the tournament in 2024 and 2025 after receiving NOCs from Sri Lanka Cricket.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket had refused to issue the NOC for 2026 citing failure to meet prescribed fitness standards, according to the court filing.
Thushara argues that his contract with Sri Lanka Cricket was due to lapse on March 31, 2026, and that he had informed the board of his intention not to renew the contract and to step away from international 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.
Thushara also claims that his current fitness levels were consistent with those maintained throughout his career and that similar fitness levels had not prevented Sri Lanka Cricket from issuing NOCs to him in previous years.
The cricketer has told court that failure to issue the NOC would result in him being replaced by his IPL franchise and losing significant income and future career opportunities.
Thushara is seeking a declaration that he is entitled to the NOC, along with interim and permanent injunctions directing Sri Lanka Cricket to issue the certificate to allow him to participate in the IPL and other overseas leagues.
The case was taken up today and fixed for hearing on April 9. (Newswire)