Nuwan Thushara sues SLC for refusing NOC
The debate surrounding Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) physical performance test took a new twist this week with fast bowler Nuwan Thushara suing the board for refusing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after the sling-arm paceman failed to meet required fitness standards. What began as an internal fitness assessment to improve the physical standard of the cricketers, has now become a public debate about transparency, fairness and more importantly the commitment of the players.
Thushara, 31, whose level of fitness has come under scrutiny alone with several other players, filed action against SLC leadership in the Colombo District Court on March 31. He named SLC’s President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants, with Thushara alleging that the refusal has caused him irreparable harm and deprived him of his livelihood.
Thushara, who has represented Sri Lanka in 30 T20 internationals since making his debut against Australia in 2022, was retained by Royal Challenges Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2026 IPL season, having first made his debut in 2024 for the franchise. However, after failing to meet the expected minimum level of fitness requirement, which has been made mandatory by SLC to obtain the NOC, he has sought legal redress.
He argues that the refusal of the NOC is unjustified, particularly as his contract with Sri Lanka Cricket expired on March 31, 2026, and he has formally declared his intention not to renew it.
Thushara, this week wrote to SLC saying that he is not wishing to renew his annual contract with the board but did not say whether he is retiring from international cricket. The fitness test, though was on existence for long years, was not made mandatory until this year where several of cricketers broke down, before or during the T20 World Cup, significantly hampering Sri Lanka’s chances at the tournament.
After the scheduled series against Afghanistan was postponed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Sri Lanka Cricket, on the advice of the national selectors and the Ministry of Sports, came up with an eight-week physical training programme to build the physical endurance, speed and strength of the cricketers. Meeting optimal fitness levels is now a mandatory requirement for national selection.
They were checked on five components – a 2 kilometre run, 20 metre sprint, a 5-0-5 agility test, a skinfold test, and a counter movement jump (CMJ). Each of these tests allows for a player to gain a maximum of 29 points total. Players need to attain at least 17 points to be considered for selection – with the 2km run and skinfold test holding the most weight (7 points each). At the last Test conducted, Thushara has managed just five points out of 29 total points.
In his petition, he contends that fitness assessments, cited as the reason for rejection, are relevant only for players selected to represent the national team, and since he is no longer contracted, SLC has no legitimate interest in his fitness levels.
The plaint points out that Thushara had been issued NOCs in previous years despite similar fitness levels, enabling him to participate in the IPL. He claims that the refusal this year is arbitrary and motivated by ulterior motives. The Royal Challengers franchise has confirmed that without the NOC, he will be replaced, forfeiting his contractual rights and earnings. The IPL season has already commenced, with Thushara missing his team’s opening match on March 28, and facing exclusion from the entire tournament unless urgent relief is granted.
Thushara accuses SLC of acting in bad faith, stating that the refusal not only costs him direct income from the 2026 season but also damages his visibility and chances of future contracts in the IPL and other international leagues. He emphasises that his livelihood depends on cricket, sponsorships, and endorsements, all of which are jeopardised by being sidelined. The plaint stresses that the loss is irreparable and cannot be quantified, as exclusion from the IPL diminishes his opportunities for future participation and lucrative deals.
Therefore, Thushara seeks a declaration from the court that he is entitled to the NOC, along with mandatory injunctions compelling SLC to issue it. He also requests interim relief to ensure he can participate in the ongoing IPL season. The plaint underscores the urgency of the matter, noting that every passing day of the tournament increases the prejudice caused to him. The case will be taken up again on April 9, next Thursday.