IPL 2026: Nuwan Thushara Moves Court After Sri Lanka Cricket Denies NOC

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has moved court to secure his participation in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) after Sri Lanka Cricket denied him a No Objection Certificate citing failed fitness tests.

The 31-year-old, who is part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s squad, has filed a petition in the Colombo District Court seeking a directive for the board to grant him the NOC. The matter is scheduled to be heard on April 9.

According to local media reports, the player with 30 T20 international appearances for his country since 2022, has pleaded that his contract with the SLC ended on March 31 and he had no desire to seek an extension.

He said he had told the SLC about his wish to end his international career. Therefore, denial of NOC citing failed fitness tests should be set aside by the court. SLC had made fitness tests mandatory to be picked for the national team. However, Thushara said his fitness levels were never found wanting and he had been allowed to play at similar levels by the SLC previously.

Thushara was acquired by RCB for INR 1.6 crore in 2025. He played one game during the team's title-winning campaign last season. He has snared 174 wickets in 137 T20s overall at an average of 21.25.

Nuwan Thushara T20 & IPL Stats

Nuwan Thushara has emerged as a highly effective T20 bowler, especially known for his slingy action and wicket-taking ability. In T20 internationals, he has played close to 30 matches, picking up over 35 wickets at an average around 21, with a best of 5/20.

Across overall T20 cricket, he has claimed more than 150 wickets at an impressive average of around 19, underlining his consistency as a strike bowler in the shortest format.

In the IPL, Thushara’s numbers are still developing but show promise. He has played 8 matches, taking 9 wickets with best figures of 3/28, while maintaining an economy rate of around 9.4.

He was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s squad during their historic IPL 2025 title-winning campaign, though his on-field contribution was limited to just one appearance, where he picked up a wicket. Despite that, RCB valued his unique skill set and retained him, highlighting his potential as a long-term T20 asset.