IPL Drama: RCB Star Nuwan Thushara Drags Sri Lankan Cricket Board To Court Over NOC Denial

Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara has taken his battle off the field and into the courtroom after being blocked from joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026.

In a significant escalation, Thushara has filed a case against Sri Lanka Cricket in the Colombo District Court, challenging the board's refusal to grant him the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC). The hearing is expected on April 9.

The dispute stems from SLC's newly enforced fitness regulations, which require players to achieve a minimum score across multiple parameters to qualify for overseas leagues. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva had earlier made it clear that players must meet the benchmark to receive clearance.

Thushara, however, failed to reach the required threshold-prompting the board to deny him permission. But the pacer has pushed back strongly, arguing that the rules should not bind him anymore. His central contract with SLC ended on March 31, and he has already informed the board of his decision not to continue.

In his legal plea, Thushara has also pointed out that he was allowed to participate in previous IPL seasons without facing such conditions, raising questions over the timing and fairness of the new rules.

Uncertainty Over IPL Future

The legal standoff has placed Thushara's IPL future in serious doubt. With time running out, RCB may be forced to reconsider their squad if clarity does not emerge soon.

On the field, however, RCB's campaign remains on track. Under captain Rajat Patidar, the team has surged to second place on the table following a strong win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

They now gear up for a high-voltage clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 5-a match Thushara is almost certain to miss as the off-field drama unfolds.

Whether the Sri Lankan pacer can resolve the impasse in time or becomes a casualty of administrative rules remains to be seen.