A big controversy has arisen in the midst of the IPL 2026 season, which has caught the attention of the cricket world. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has approached the court against the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC). Thushara’s role was considered very important for RCB this season, especially at a time when the team’s main bowler Josh Hazlewood is not available for the initial matches.
The matter heated up when SLC refused to grant No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Nuwan Thushara. The board says that the players do not meet the prescribed fitness standards. Thushara disagrees with this decision and has challenged it in the court, calling it unfair.
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Nuwan Thushara’s argument
Nuwan Thushara argues that he has not suffered any injuries and his fitness level has remained the same throughout his career. He claimed in his report filed in the court that before this the board had never stopped him from giving NOC on the basis of fitness. Thushara has named several top officials including Sri Lanka Cricket President Shami Silva, Secretary and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants in this case. The player believes that he is being deliberately kept away from the world’s biggest league.
Thushara may suffer loss worth crores
For 31-year-old Nuwan Thushara, it is not just a matter of sports but also of loss worth crores of rupees. RCB bought him for Rs 1.60 crore in the 2025 mega auction. Thushara says that if he does not get NOC then RCB can cancel his contract, which will cause huge financial loss to him. It is noteworthy that Thushara’s central contract has expired on March 31 and he has already informed the board about his intention not to renew his contract to stay away from international cricket.
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Hearing on 9th April
Nuwan Thushara is not the only player who is facing the strictness of the board. Kolkata Knight Riders’ Mathisha Pathirana and star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga also could not get NOC due to injury. At present, except Ishan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis of Sunrisers Hyderabad, no Sri Lankan player has been able to join their team. Now the eyes of the sports fans and the RCB camp are fixed on the next hearing to be held on April 9, which will decide whether Thushara will be able to shine in this season or not.
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