IPL 2026: RCB’s Nuwan Thushara Takes SLC to Court Over NOC Denial

Sri Lankan right-arm pacer Nuwan Thushara has approached the Colombo District Court after Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) refused him an NOC to participate in the Tata IPL 2026. The denial springs from his failure to clear SLC’s newly introduced fitness tests, which included a 2-kilometer run, sprint, agility drills, skinfold checks, and jump assessments.

Thushara’s legal argument rests on the fact that his SLC contract expired on March 31, 2026, making the enforcement of an NOC unreasonable. He claims this denial is a direct barrier to his livelihood, as he was contracted to play for RCB in IPL 2026.

The lawsuit names SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants. The case will next be heard on April 9, though it is unlikely to be resolved in a single sitting. This delay means Thushara will miss at least two more weeks of the Tata IPL 2026.

Fitness Tests at the Heart of the Dispute

SLC’s new mandatory fitness regime was introduced after Sri Lanka’s poor showing in the Men’s T20 World Cup. Players must score at least 17 points across five categories, with the 2km run and skinfold test carrying the most weight.

Thushara argues that such requirements were never previously linked to NOC approvals. He points out that he had been granted NOCs in 2024 and 2025 despite maintaining similar fitness levels. However, the likes of Dushmantha Chameera, Kamindu Mendis, Eshan Malinga, and Pathum Nissanka have already obtained their NOC’s after passing the fitness test ahead of IPL 2026. The quartet has joined their respective teams, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are struggling with injuries they sustained during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and are yet to fly to India.

A similar case took place in 2025 when South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi filed a lawsuit against Cricket South Africa, where the court ruled that boards cannot withhold NOCs purely to protect commercial interests when a player is outside a central contract.

RCB is already sweating on Josh Hazlewood’s recovery

While Thushara battles off-field, RCB’s pace department is under pressure. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood has joined the squad but is not fully fit to feature. In their opening clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB relied on Jacob Duffy as their sole overseas pacer.

Duffy delivered brilliantly on his IPL debut, claiming 3 for 22 in 4 overs and winning the Player of the Match award. However, with Hazlewood still recovering and Thushara unavailable due to the legal tussle, RCB’s overseas pace options remain restricted to Duffy. Thushara’s absence leaves RCB vulnerable in a long tournament where squad depth is crucial.

What Lies Ahead

• The court hearing on April 9 will determine if Thushara can join the IPL 2026.
• RCB’s pace balance hinges on Hazlewood’s fitness and Duffy’s consistency.
• The case could set a global precedent on whether boards can enforce internal fitness policies on players no longer under contract.

What’s next for RCB?

The reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, played the tournament opener on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home, i.e., the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB have kicked off their season with a massive 6-wicket win, where they chased down 201 runs in just 15.4 overs. After almost a week’s break, the Royal Challengers will next face the 5-time champions Chennai Super Kings in yet another ‘Southern Derby’ on April 3 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Their next three games after the clash against Chennai Super Kings, will be against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on April 10, against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on April 12, and then Rajat Patidar and his men will return home to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to square off against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 15th.