Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a legal challenge against Sri Lanka Cricket over its refusal to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League, drawing international attention to the issue.
The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) expressed concern over the situation, with CEO Tom Moffat stating that players should not be forced to take legal action to secure basic professional opportunities. He noted that the current NOC system allows governing bodies to restrict players from earning elsewhere, even without an active contract, which raises broader concerns about player rights and governance in cricket.
Thushara recently filed a case in the Colombo District Court seeking an order directing Sri Lanka Cricket to issue the NOC, marking the first time a Sri Lankan player has pursued legal action over such a matter. He has named several top officials, including President Shammi Silva and CEO Ashley de Silva, as defendants.
According to court filings, Thushara was selected by his IPL franchise for the 2026 season, having previously participated in the tournament in 2024 and 2025 with NOCs granted by the board. However, Sri Lanka Cricket denied the 2026 NOC citing newly introduced fitness standards.
The fast bowler argues that his contract with Sri Lanka Cricket ended on March 31, 2026, and that he had already informed the board of his decision not to renew it and to step away from international cricket. He maintains that he was not in contention for national selection and therefore the refusal based on fitness grounds is unjustified.
Thushara further claims that his fitness levels are consistent with those maintained throughout his career and that similar standards had not prevented the board from granting NOCs in previous years.
He has warned that the denial of the NOC could result in his replacement by his IPL franchise, leading to significant financial losses and missed career opportunities. As a result, he is seeking a court declaration affirming his right to the NOC, along with interim and permanent injunctions directing Sri Lanka Cricket to issue the certificate for his participation in the IPL and other overseas leagues.
The case is scheduled to be taken up for hearing on April 9.
