Nuwan Thushara secures central contract after NOC fallout with SLC

Right‑arm seamer Nuwan Thushara has been named among the 46 men’s cricketers awarded central contracts by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), despite his recent fallout with the board over a no‑objection certificate (NOC) dispute.

Thushara was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 1.60 crore ahead of IPL 2026, but SLC denied him an NOC after he failed to clear a mandatory fitness test. The decision sparked controversy, leading the 31‑year‑old to file a lawsuit against the board in the Colombo District Court.

Although he later withdrew the case with much of the IPL already over, Thushara’s inclusion in the national contract list signals a reconciliation with the governing body. His return to the fold suggests that bridges have been rebuilt and that SLC continues to value his role in the national setup.

Sri Lanka Cricket's men's contracted players list:

Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Niroshan Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Sonal Dinusha, Sahan Arachchige, Pramod Madushan, Lasith Croospulle, Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundara, Nishan Madushka, Akila Dananjaya, Chamika Karunaratne, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Mohammed Shiraz, Wanuja Sahan, Dilum Sudeera, Tharindu Rathnayake

More to follow............