NewKerala.com

Nuwan Thushara Sues Sri Lanka Cricket Over IPL Ban After Fitness Test Fail

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket after the board denied him a no-objection certificate to play in the IPL. Thushara argues his central contract has ended and the NOC denial restricts his livelihood. The board refused the NOC because Thushara failed to meet newly introduced mandatory fitness standards. The case, which names SLC president Shammi Silva and other officials, will be heard again on April 9.

Key Points: Sri Lanka's Nuwan Thushara Sues Cricket Board Over IPL NOC Denial

  • Lawsuit filed in Colombo District Court
  • Denied NOC for failing new fitness standards
  • Case names SLC top officials as defendants
  • Argues contract ended, making NOC rule unfair
2 min read

Nuwan Thushara moves court against Sri Lanka Cricket over IPL NOC denial

Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara takes SLC to court after being denied an IPL NOC for failing new fitness tests. Case to be heard April 9.

"the enforcement of an NOC is unreasonable and restricts his ability to earn a livelihood - Nuwan Thushara's petition"

Colombo, April 2

Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a lawsuit in the Colombo District Court against Sri Lanka Cricket after being denied a no-objection certificate to participate in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Thushara, who is part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad, has challenged the board's decision, arguing that his central contract with SLC ended on March 31, 2026, and therefore, the enforcement of an NOC is unreasonable and restricts his ability to earn a livelihood, as per reports from ESPNcricinfo.

The pacer has named SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants in the case. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on April 9, following the Easter court holidays.

SLC had informed Thushara on March 24 that he would not be granted an NOC after he failed to meet the newly introduced mandatory fitness standards. The board's revised criteria include a 2 km run, 20 m sprint, 5-0-5 agility test, skinfold measurement and a counter-movement jump, with players required to achieve a minimum score to remain eligible.

However, Thushara has argued that such fitness benchmarks were not historically tied to the issuance of NOCs and pointed out that he had been granted clearances in previous seasons under similar fitness levels.

While International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations mandate that players obtain an NOC from their home board to participate in overseas leagues, the governing body leaves the criteria for granting or denying such certificates to individual boards. This has created a grey area, particularly in cases involving players who are no longer centrally contracted.

The timing of the legal proceedings is likely to keep Thushara out of the IPL for at least the next few weeks, with the tournament having commenced on March 28.

RCB are the defending champions of the IPL, and Thushara took only 1 wicket in the only match he played for RCB during the 2025 season. Acquired for Rs 1.60 crore in the 2025 auction, the Sri Lankan pacer's impact was limited to this single appearance during the team's campaign. He also missed the home T20 World Cup for his national side and was expecting to return from the injury in the IPL 2026.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As an RCB fan, I'm disappointed! We need all hands on deck to defend the title. 🏆 If he was fit enough last season, what changed? SLC's new fitness parameters sound rigorous, but they should have given players a proper transition period. Feel for Thushara.
A
Aman W
This highlights a big problem in cricket administration. Boards have too much power over players' livelihoods, especially from smaller nations. The ICC needs clearer global rules for NOCs, especially for non-contracted players. It's his profession, not a favour from the board.
S
Sarah B
Looking at it objectively, fitness standards are crucial for professional sport. If he failed the test, the board might be protecting its asset from further injury. But the timing is suspect – right before the IPL. The legal route seems his only option now.
K
Karthik V
Honestly, from a purely cricketing perspective, RCB might not miss him much. 1 wicket in one match last season for 1.6 crore? That's not great value. But principle matters. If his contract is till 2026, SLC can't just move the goalpost. He's right to fight.
N
Nisha Z
This is why players from Sri Lanka, West Indies etc. often have conflicts with their boards. The IPL money is life-changing for them. SLC should support its players' financial security, which in turn helps the national team. Denying the NOC feels punitive.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50