IPL 2026: What action will RCB's Nuwan Thushara take against SLC for not giving him NOC?
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Nuwan Thushara is a part of RCB for IPL 2026.
Nuwan Thushara has had his No Objection Certificate blocked by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which leaves his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 participation hanging by a thread.
The board had cited failed fitness tests as the reason behind this controversial decision that has shocked many. Thushara has a confirmed contract with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and was expected to join the Bengaluru-based franchise soon. According to Colombo-based outlet NewsWire, he has since filed a formal case in the Colombo District Court against SLC.
What is the crux of the issue?
Sri Lanka Cricket had made fitness testing a mandatory requirement for every player who has sought national team selection or NOC approval for overseas league.
The board has reportedly stated that Thushara had fallen short of those prescribed standards; which are 17 out of 29 across five different metrics and has left them with little room to manoeuvre. SLC had introduced these benchmarks specifically to lift the overall fitness culture that had been lacking within Sri Lankan cricket for years.
From SLC’s side, issuing an NOC to a player who has failed their own standards had never been a viable option. That position has had some logic behind it, but critics have had serious questions about the timing and application of these rules.
Why Thushara Has Taken SLC To Court?
Thushara has argued, as reported by NewsWire, that his central contract with SLC had already expired on March 31, 2026.
He had formally communicated to the board that he had no desire to renew it and wants to step away from international cricket. He has also pointed out that SLC had previously handed him NOCs based on those very same fitness levels without raising any objection.
He has told the court that this denial had caused him serious financial damage at a critical stage of his T20 career. Thushara had been acquired by RCB for ₹1.6 crore in 2025 and has had 174 wickets from 137 T20 matches at an average of 21.25.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana have had identical NOC troubles with SLC this season, according to local media reports. Chaminda Vaas had openly blamed the board’s “poor planning” for the mess these players have had to deal with.
South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi had taken Cricket South Africa to court last December for his participation in ILT20 and had walked away with a favorable ruling.
Nuwan Thusara is a part of which franchise this season?
Thusara is a part of RCB squad this season.
Who is captaining RCB in IPL 2026?
Rajat Patidar will captain RCB in IPL 2026.
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.