New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has moved the Colombo District Court seeking legal intervention after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) declined to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the Indian Premier League 2026.

The matter came up for hearing on Thursday, with the court scheduling the next proceedings for April 9. In his petition, Thushara has named SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants.

The pacer had secured a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026, having previously featured in the tournament in the last two seasons with the board’s approval. However, SLC is understood to have withheld the NOC this time, citing his failure to meet required fitness benchmarks, according to News Wire Sri Lanka.

Thushara has contested the decision, stating that his central contract with the board expires on March 31, 2026, and that he had already communicated his intention not to renew it. He further claimed that he has effectively been out of national selection plans, making the board’s stance on fitness grounds inconsistent and unjustified.

In his plea, the bowler maintained that his fitness levels remain in line with those of previous years, during which he was granted NOCs to participate in overseas leagues, including the IPL. He argued that the refusal to issue the clearance now lacks merit, especially given the absence of any change in his physical condition.

The petition also highlighted the professional and financial implications of the decision, noting that failure to obtain the NOC could result in his replacement by the franchise, a loss of significant earnings, and potential setbacks to his career in global T20 competitions.

Thushara has sought judicial relief in the form of a declaration affirming his right to receive the NOC, along with interim and permanent orders directing SLC to grant him permission to compete in the IPL and other international leagues. The case will next be heard on April 9, as the dispute between the player and the national board continues to unfold.

–IANS

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