Sri Lanka pace bowler Nuwan Thushara has dropped his legal action against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), effectively closing a headline-making standoff linked to his availability for IPL 2026. The decision brings an end to a dispute that had stemmed from SLC’s refusal to grant the mandatory clearance required for Sri Lankan players to take part in overseas tournaments.
Key takeaways
- Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his court petition against Sri Lanka Cricket, ending the legal conflict around IPL 2026.
- SLC had denied his No Objection Certificate after he did not meet the board’s fitness benchmark in the 2-km run test.
- Thushara was set to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, having been with the franchise earlier in IPL 2024 and 2025.
- During the most recent hearing, Thushara’s side asked the court to dismiss the case as continuing it had become impractical.
- Thushara also apologised to SLC and indicated he wants to move forward from the weeks of tension.
What led Thushara to court
SLC refused to issue Thushara the No Objection Certificate for IPL 2026 after he fell short of the board’s newly imposed fitness requirements. The specific reason cited was that he did not achieve the required score in the 2-km run test, which is part of the eligibility criteria for Sri Lankan players seeking to feature in leagues abroad.
Thushara, who has played close to 30 T20 Internationals for Sri Lanka since his debut in 2022, challenged the decision. He argued that the refusal was unjust and that it would materially affect his professional prospects. Despite the setback, he was expected to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026, with prior IPL appearances in both 2024 and 2025.
Withdrawn petition and a fresh start
At the latest stage of the proceedings, Thushara’s legal representatives informed the court that the player wanted to withdraw the petition. With a large portion of the IPL season already completed, the player’s camp felt there was little practical value in keeping the case going.
Following his request, the court dismissed the matter. In a further sign of reconciliation, Thushara also apologised to SLC and stated that he was ready to put the dispute behind him, signalling an effort to repair relations with the national board after a tense period.
IPL contract details and past auction record
Thushara was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026 for ₹1.60 crore. Before that, he had been with the Mumbai Indians, who signed him for Rs 4.80 crore, and he impressed in his first season with eight wickets.
In the 2025 mega auction, Thushara was initially purchased for ₹1.60 crore. That tournament saw him feature in one match, returning figures of 1/26.
