The RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara has filed a lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket at the Colombo District court on Thursday, seeking an order directing the cricket board to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to enable in the IPL 2026.

Having joined RCB in 2025, Nuwan Thushara was retained by the defending champions for the 2026 season.

Nuwan Thushara’s legal move came days after he was refused NOC by Sri Lanka Cricket citing failure of him to meet prescribed fitness standards.

According to SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake,treasurer Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants in his plaint.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva stated that players must secure 17 out of 29 points across five fitness parameters to qualify.

Nuwan Thushara reportedly failed to meet that benchmark, resulting in the denial of his IPL clearance.

Nuwan Thushara who played for Mumbai Indians (2024) and RCB (2025) in IPL after receiving NOCs from SLC, argued that his contract with the country’s board expired on March 31, 2026.

Thushara has also informed SLC that he does not wish to renew his contract and step away from international cricket.

According to report, “He further states that he had already been informed he would not be selected for national duties and therefore the refusal to grant an NOC based on fitness grounds was unjustified.”

In his plea, he added that if was blocked this time could cost his place in RCB’s squad, but also substantial earring and future professional opportunities.

Nuwan Thushara is concerned that RCB could look for a replacement if the NOC matter remains resolved.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a brilliant start of their IPL 2026 campaign and currently sit on IPL 2026 points table with an impressive Net run rate of 2.907. They secured a comfortable 6-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As per the RCB 2026 schedule, they will take on five time champions CSK on April 01 at M.