Nuwan Thushara Withdraws Case Against Sri Lanka Cricket Over IPL 2026 NOC Issue

Nuwan Thushara has decided to stop his legal fight against Sri Lanka Cricket. He had gone to court because he was not given permission (NOC) to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2026. The SLC had recently introduced mandatory fitness standards for cricketers who were looking to play in franchise leagues outside of Sri Lanka. As per SLC, Thushara didn’t achieve the required score in the time-bound 2-kilometer sprint test. In response, the 31-year-old moved the Colombo District Court.

Nuwan Thushara said that Sri Lanka Cricket officials, Shammi Silva, Bandula Dissanayake, Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and Ashley de Silva, were involved in his case. He argued that he did not take a central contract and had already told the board he would retire from international cricket. Thushara also argued that he’ll suffer significant income loss if he doesn’t play for RCB in IPL 2026. Picked for INR 1.60 crore in 2025, the slingy pacer played just 1 match last season.

Nuwan Thushara Withdraws Legal Case Against Sri Lanka Cricket Over IPL 2026 NOC Issue

He was worried that if he didn’t get a chance to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, teams might stop picking him in the future, not only in the IPL but also in other leagues. But after three weeks, he decided to withdraw his case against Sri Lanka Cricket.

According to ESPNcricinfo, during the latest hearing, Thushara’s legal team informed the court that he wished to withdraw his case. Considering half of the IPL 2026 season was already over, and the case would perhaps outlast the entire tournament, he found no reason to continue fighting the case. Thushara had sent a written apology to SLC and hopes to move on from the dispute. This could also mean that he’ll accept a central contract and perhaps reconsider taking international retirement as well.

Since Nuwan Thushara was officially ruled out, Royal Challengers Bengaluru couldn’t name a replacement earlier. Now, they are allowed to do so. Even though the defending champions are in a strong position, winning 4 out of 6 matches, they will be glad to use this chance to bring in an overseas player. Josh Hazlewood has already played 3 matches. His replacement, Jacob Duffy, stepped up when he wasn’t available. But it wouldn’t hurt to add another bowler in the mix. RCB can opt to pick a spinner as well, considering they don’t have a quality foreign tweaker.

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IPL 2026, DC VS PBKS: Stadium Details, Pitch Report, Stats and Hourly Weather Report & Where to Watch The IPL 2026 35th match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings will be played on April 25th at 3:30 PM at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi the pitch here is good for batting with lots of runs and quick outfield boudaries and stadium, teams usually like to chase because of dew, scores can go above 185, fast bowlers may get help early but later it becomes easy for batters, the weather will be warm with no rain expected, and you can watch the match live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.

by Dwijesh April 23, 2026