Nuwan Thushara to leave IPL midway? SLC plans to file objection against petition signed by RCB star

In the latest updates of the Sri Lankan players and the NOC by the Sri Lankan Cricket, the SLC will now file an objection against the RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara following his petition against the Board

. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially informed the Colombo District Court that it will file objections against the petition submitted by fast bowler Nuwan Thushara. The court has scheduled the hearing for the filing of these objections on April 23, 2026.

🚨 📰: SLC to file objections against the petition filed by RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara seeking a court order to compel the board to issue a NOC to participate in the 2026 IPL. Accordingly, the court ordered that the case be called again on April 23 for Sri Lanka Cricket to file… pic.twitter.com/SgHpZYxIkq

— RCB Xtra (@Rcb_Xtra) April 9, 2026

Although Thushara is seeking an interim order to compel SLC to issue the NOC, experts believe the timing of the legal proceedings has likely ruled him out for the majority, if not all, of the 2026 IPL season. The petition names several top SLC officials as respondents, including President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, and CEO Ashley de Silva.

What led to controversy between SLC and Nuwan Thushara?

The legal battle stems from SLC's refusal to issue Thushara a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) required for him to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) and other international leagues. The board denied the NOC because Thushara reportedly failed to meet newly implemented, stricter fitness benchmarks. SLC maintains that all players must clear these physical assessments to receive clearance for overseas leagues.

Represented by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹1.6 crore, Thushara argues that his central contract with SLC expired on March 31, 2026. He asserts that as he has decided to step away from international cricket and is no longer under contract, SLC has no legal basis to withhold the NOC or enforce internal selection policies on him. Thushara views the denial as a restriction on his livelihood.

Not just Thushara, several other Sri Lankan players are still awaiting their NOCs to be able to participate in the IPL 2026. The names include Matheesha Pathirana, who was bought by the KKR but is still not given the NOC as he is still recovering from a calf strain he picked up during the T20 World Cup. He has started bowling in the nets and is expected to undergo his fitness test soon.