Nuwan Thushara ends legal battle with SLC over IPL 2026 NOC issue

Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after taking it to court for denying him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). Thushara is a part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the ongoing season, but hasn’t been able to join them due to NOC issues.

However, Thushara has now decided to withdraw his case from the Colombo District Court, as much of the IPL is already completed. According to ESPNCricinfo, he has also sent a written apology to SLC, informing about his withdrawal of the lawsuit.

Thushara had mentioned his desire to step away from international cricket in his case, but his stance on the matter is unclear. He won’t be eligible for selection until he clears the mandatory fitness test as per SLC's new protocols.

The fast bowler was denied NOC for IPL after he failed to clear the new mandatory fitness tests. However, Thushara argued that such fitness requirements weren’t needed for an NOC in the past, and his fitness levels have been the same throughout his career, which helped him obtain NOCs in 2024 and 2025 as well.

RCB yet to name Thushara's replacement

After discussions with the SLC reached an impasse, he decided to retire from international cricket and also filed a lawsuit against the national cricket board. He mentioned that it was unreasonable for SLC to deny him a NOC and be a barrier to his livelihood.

The first hearing of the case was held on April 9, where SLC said that it would file objections, and the case was heard again on April 23, where it was dismissed.

Thushara was retained by RCB for Rs 1.60 crore, ahead of the ongoing IPL 2026. Despite his ongoing dispute with SLC, RCB are yet to name his replacement.