Nuwan Thushara likely out of IPL 2026 after feud with Sri Lanka Cricket over NOC

Thushara - who was retained by RCB for Rs 1.6 crore, failed to get an NOC and therefore approached the Colombo District Court.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a potential blow as Nuwan Thushara has not yet been granted a No Objection Certificate by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Earlier this month, the country’s cricket board mandated fitness tests for all contracted players in order to get permission to play in the IPL. However, Thushara – who was retained by RCB for Rs 1.6 crore, failed to get an NOC and therefore approached the Colombo District Court.

RCB & Thushara to get no relief?

As per News Wire, Sri Laka Cricket will file objections against the petition filed by Thushara at the Colombo District Court. The court has ordered that the case be called again on April 23 for Sri Lanka Cricket to file its objections. In his plea, Nuwan Thushara told the court that his contract with the SLC ended on March 31, 2026. He had already informed the Sri Lanka cricket board not to consider him, as he would retire from international cricket at the age of 31 after playing 30 T20Is for Sri Lanka, bagging 36 wickets.

“In his plaint, Thushara named Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants,” the report stated.

The Sri Lankan bowler made his IPL debut back in 2024, where he played 7 games for the Mumbai Indians and amassed 8 wickets. In 2025, he played just one match for RCB. Thushara not only informed the court that the failure to issue an NOC will result in income losses but also pointed out that the board had issued clearances in the past.

“Thushara further claimed that his fitness levels were consistent with those maintained throughout his career and that similar standards had not prevented Sri Lanka Cricket from issuing NOCs to him in previous years,” the report stated.

Thushara argued that the SLC already informed him that he would not be selected for national duties. Hence, he said it was an injustice not to grant him the NOC for IPL 2026. He also claimed that his fitness levels were at par with what they had been throughout his career, and it did not prevent him from playing for Sri Lanka. Thushara is seeking a declaration that he is entitled to the NOC, along with interim and permanent injunctions directing Sri Lanka Cricket to issue the certificate to allow him to participate in the IPL and other overseas leagues

Nuwan is much-needed for RCB at this point of time, especially since Josh Hazlewood is unavailable as he is yet to completely recover from his injuries. The latest update on Thushara comes as a blow to RCB who will take on RR in their third match of IPL 2026 on Friday against Rajasthan Royals.