Source espncric info
COLOMBO — Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara has escalated his dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to the courtroom, filing a lawsuit in the Colombo District Court after the board refused to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the ongoing 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Thushara, a key member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad, was denied clearance last week on the grounds of failing to meet the board’s newly implemented, stringent fitness standards. The 31-year-old speedster is now seeking a court order to compel SLC to issue the necessary documentation, arguing that the board’s decision is an “unreasonable” restriction on his right to earn a livelihood.
The Fitness Dispute
The rift began when SLC introduced a rigorous new fitness policy, which includes a 2 km run, agility tests, and skinfold measurements. According to reports, Thushara failed to meet these specific benchmarks during recent assessments.
However, in his petition, Thushara argues that:
Contractual Status: His central contract with SLC expired on March 31, 2026, and he had already informed the board of his intention not to renew it as he moves away from international duties.
Historical Precedent: He maintains that his fitness levels are consistent with those he has held throughout his career—levels that were previously deemed sufficient by SLC for past IPL seasons.
Financial Impact: Being barred from the IPL would result in a significant financial loss, specifically his Rs 1.6 crore contract with RCB.
Key Defendants and Next Steps
The lawsuit names several high-ranking SLC officials as defendants, including President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, and CEO Ashley de Silva.
The timing of the legal battle is critical. While the 2026 IPL season is already underway—with RCB having played their opening fixture—Thushara remains sidelined in Sri Lanka. The Colombo District Court has scheduled a full hearing for April 9, 2026, following the Easter court holidays.
Broader Implications
This case highlights a growing “grey area” in world cricket regarding the power national boards hold over players who are no longer under central contracts. While ICC regulations require an NOC for overseas leagues, Thushara’s legal team argues that the board cannot enforce national team fitness standards on a player who is effectively a “free agent” or retired from international selection.
If the court rules in Thushara’s favor, it could set a major precedent for other Sri Lankan cricketers who have struggled with the board’s “no-compromise” fitness stance. For now, RCB and Thushara must wait until the April 9 hearing to see if the slinger will be allowed to join his franchise.
