Nuwan Thushara reverses his swing
View(s):Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has extended a formal apology to Sri Lanka Cricket and signalled his readiness to abandon legal proceedings in his ongoing dispute over a No Objection Certificate (NOC) linked to the board’s mandatory fitness requirements. The development appears to open the door for a possible compromise after a disagreement that had threatened to escalate into a prolonged legal battle.
Thushara, who was contracted to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the current IPL season at Indian Rs. 1.60 crore, approximately US$ 170,000, was denied an NOC after failing to meet Sri Lanka Cricket’s newly introduced fitness benchmarks. The policy, implemented earlier this year, requires players to satisfy specific fitness standards before being cleared to participate in overseas T20 competitions, a move the board says is aimed at maintaining professionalism and improving national performance standards.
In a letter addressed to the board, Thushara sought to clarify his position, insisting that he never intended to drag Sri Lanka Cricket into court or place the organisation in an uncomfortable situation. He emphasised that his actions were driven purely by a personal sense of injustice and a desire to be heard, rather than any intention to create conflict or bring embarrassment to Sri Lankan cricket. According to Thushara, his concerns stemmed from what he believed was an inconsistent application of policy and a lack of clarity over his eligibility.
He further explained that the legal route was considered only as a means to ensure his grievances were addressed through a formal process. Thushara stressed that his primary objective throughout the dispute had been to seek fairness, adding that he remained respectful of the board and its authority. In his apology, he expressed regret for any inconvenience, misunderstanding, or distress caused to officials and reiterated his willingness to seek an amicable, out-of-court resolution.
The case, filed by Thushara following the refusal of the NOC, was initially taken up for hearing on April 9. However, proceedings were postponed to April 23 to allow Sri Lanka Cricket additional time to submit a formal objection. The board has already indicated it intends to contest the petition strongly, maintaining that no player, regardless of retirement status or contractual position, should be exempt from the national fitness framework. Officials have emphasised that the policy applies uniformly to all players seeking to represent Sri Lankan cricket in overseas franchise leagues.
Thushara argues that his contractual obligations to Sri Lanka Cricket expired on March 31, 2026, and therefore the board lacks the authority to restrict his participation in the IPL. He argues that once his contract lapsed, he should have been free to pursue franchise opportunities independently, particularly when such participation did not clash with national duties.
Sri Lanka Cricket, however, has taken a broader view, arguing that its regulatory and professional responsibilities extend to all players representing the country’s cricketing interests on the global franchise circuit. The board maintains that fitness compliance is essential not only for national selection but also for safeguarding the reputation and professionalism associated with Sri Lankan players worldwide.
Thushara, who featured for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in both the 2024 and 2025 editions with Sri Lanka Cricket’s approval, has pointed out that his earlier participation did not conflict with national commitments. He believes there is no logical reason for the clearance to be withheld in 2026, particularly given his prior record. The board, however, has responded by stating that adherence to current fitness criteria and ICC-related compliance measures are non-negotiable conditions for issuing any NOC, regardless of past precedents.
Thushara is not alone in missing this year’s tournament. Wanindu Hasaranga, who was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants, will also sit out the IPL after failing to complete the required fitness assessment. In Hasaranga’s case, an injury sustained during the T20 World Cup earlier this year further complicated his recovery and preparation, ultimately ruling him out of the competition.
The 2026 IPL, which began on March 28, will run until May 31.