Sri Lankan fast bowlers Nuvan Thushara. It has approached the Colombo District Court for legal intervention to allow it to play in 2026. Indian Premier League. Thushara has filed a case against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), requesting that the board be ordered to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for his participation. The matter was heard in the court today and it is scheduled to be fully heard on April 9. Thushara has named SLC President Shami Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeeva Godaliada, and CEO Ashley D’Silva as respondents in her petition. Thushara, who was raised. Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL, highlighting that they had previously played in the 2024 and 2025 editions after receiving the NOC from the SLC. However, the board refused to grant the NOC of 2026, stating that it did not meet the prescribed fitness criteria. The fast bowler says his contract with the SLC expired on March 31, 2026, and he had already informed the board of his decision not to renew it and retire from international cricket. He argued that since he was also told that he would not be selected for national duties, the refusal to issue NOC on the basis of fitness was unreasonable. Thushara added that his current fitness level is in line with his entire career and similar standards did not prevent the SLC from issuing the NOC in the past. He warned that failure to get the NOC would force them to switch from their IPL franchise, resulting in loss of income and career opportunities. Through the court, Thushara is seeking a declaration confirming his entitlement to the NOC, with interim and permanent orders directing the SLC to issue the certificate, ensuring his eligibility for the IPL and other overseas leagues. The court has scheduled the next hearing on April 9.
