Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer in a rare and dramatic development Nuwan Thuhara Sued Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for not being allowed to play in IPL 2026. Picked up by the defending champions for ₹ 1.6 crore in the 2025 mega auction, the fast bowler is now fighting for the right to participate in the tournament.
Thuhara filed the petition in the Colombo District Court on April 2, naming SLC’s top officials, including president Shammi Silva and CEO Ashley de Silva, as defendants. The case is scheduled to be heard on April 9 and could set an important precedent for how player availability is handled in franchise cricket.
At the heart of the controversy is the SLC’s refusal to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a mandatory requirement for players to participate in foreign leagues such as the IPL.
At the heart of the controversy is the fitness debate
According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Thuhara was rejected by the IOC as he failed to meet the newly introduced fitness criteria. The board has implemented a point-based system where players must score a minimum of 17 out of 29 points across five fitness parameters to qualify for overseas leagues.
The policy has reportedly been extended to other players, including high-profile names like Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga.
However, Thuhara strongly contested the decision. “My fitness has remained consistent” has been his main argument, as he insists that his physical condition has not deteriorated. He stated that he had no problem in getting NOCs for the previous IPL seasons in 2024 and 2025 under the same circumstances.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Thuhara revealed that his central contract with SLC has expired on March 31, 2026 and he has already informed the board of its non-renewal. From his perspective, this means that he is no longer bound by national obligations.
“They told me that I am not in the National Selection Plans” He is another key claim, questioning why the council would limit his involvement even though he is not part of their future plans.
Impact on franchise cricket
For Thuxara, the consequences of this decision go far beyond missing a few matches. He claimed in court that failure to satisfy the NOC could result in RCB terminating his contract, leading to both financial losses and missed career opportunities.
In his petition, he seeks formal recognition of his right to host the NOC, as well as immediate and permanent orders to the SLC to allow him.
Meanwhile, RCB have made a strong start to their IPL 2026 campaign, A comfortable win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was recorded. However, Thuhara’s absence may affect their bowling depth, especially in the death overs, where his unique slinging action (often compared to Lasith Malinga) makes him a valuable asset.
Looking at his record, Thuhara has been a consistent performer in T20 cricket. Since his international debut in 2022, he has represented Sri Lanka in 30 T20Is. In all T20 competitions, he has scored 174 runs in 137 matches at an average of 21.25. He was also part of RCB’s title-winning squad in 2025, albeit with limited playing time.
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In addition to the individual case, this legal battle has sparked a larger conversation in the world of cricket. This raises important questions about how much control boards have over players, especially if they are not part of a centralized contract or national plans.
With a hearing set for April 9, the outcome could have significant implications — not just for Thuhara, but for players who rely on franchise leagues around the world.
Whether the court rules in his favor or upholds the board’s powers, the case highlights the growing tension between player independence and administrative control in modern cricket.
For now, all eyes are on Colombo as the cricketing world waits to see if Thuhara gets the green light to join RCB or if his IPL 2026 journey ends before it begins.
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