Nuwan Thushara’s stand-off with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) appears to be cooling down after the Sri Lankan fast bowler sent an apology to the board by email. The 31-year-old had previously moved to court after SLC declined to issue the No Objection Certificate (NOC) needed for him to take part in overseas franchise cricket, including the IPL.
Key takeaways
- Nuwan Thushara has emailed an apology to SLC, stating he did not intend to disrupt or inconvenience the governing body.
- The dispute started after SLC turned down his request for an NOC, a requirement for players to feature in leagues outside their home country.
- Thushara had approached the court to seek relief so he could play in IPL 2026, with a reported link to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- SLC contested the court application and indicated it would file objections, with the next hearing set for April 23.
- Thushara’s legal action now looks less certain, with suggestions he may withdraw the case as tensions ease.
Apology marks a change in tone
After the earlier legal move, Thushara has reportedly taken a softer approach. In his email to the board, he expressed that his intention was not to “cause inconvenience to the governing body.” He added that he was “seeking fairness and justice,” saying he believed he had been treated unjustly in the way the NOC process had played out.
How the NOC disagreement escalated
The conflict traces back to SLC’s decision to reject Thushara’s request for an NOC. The board’s refusal was reportedly linked to fitness concerns following failed fitness tests.
In response, Thushara, aged 31, turned to the courts. His application sought intervention so that he could represent in IPL 2026, where he was expected to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Court response and next steps
SLC opposed Thushara’s plea in court and indicated it would submit objections. The court accepted the board’s request, and the matter has now been scheduled to be heard again on April 23.
With that timeline in place, Thushara’s latest message suggests he may be reassessing whether to continue the legal fight. The apology points to an attempt to reduce friction with the board and move toward a resolution, rather than prolong the dispute.
Thushara’s IPL context and international record
Thushara has played 30 T20 internationals since 2022. He has also appeared in earlier IPL seasons, though his immediate availability for IPL 2026 is still dependent on how the current NOC and court situation develops.
