A legal standoff has erupted between Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), as the bowler seeks a court intervention to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL 2026 season. The 31-year-old has filed a case in the Colombo District Court after the national board denied him the No Objection Certificate (NOC) required to participate in the cash-rich tournament. As per reports, the court is expected to hear the matter on April 9.
The conflict centres on newly implemented fitness regulations. SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva earlier explained that players are now required to meet specific benchmarks across five different parameters to be eligible for overseas T20 leagues. He stated that players must secure at least 17 out of 29 points across five fitness parameters to be eligible.
Thushara reportedly failed to hit that 17-point target, leading to the boardโs refusal. However, the RCB pacer argued that these rules should no longer apply to him. He claimed that his central contract with SLC expired on March 31 and had already notified the board that he does not intend to renew it. In the meantime, his legal plea highlighted that he has been granted clearance for previous IPL seasons without such hurdles.
Thushara notes financial aspect
Beyond the contractual dispute, Thushara is facing significant professional and financial pressure. He expressed concern that his spot in the RCB squad is at risk, as the franchise might seek a replacement if his availability remains uncertain.
While their pacer fights a legal battle in Colombo, RCB has enjoyed a strong start on the field. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team currently holds second place on the points table following a six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. That win at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium left them with a dominant net run rate of +2.907. Only Rajasthan Royals are ahead of them, who have a NRR of +4.171.
Next up, they are scheduled to continue their campaign at home in a high-profile clash against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, April 5. In all likelihood, Thushara will miss the clash. It now needs to be seen whether the pacer will be cleared in time to join his teammates for the later stages of the tournament, or the defending champions will need to think of an alternative.ย
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