Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The Sri Lankan fast bowler had taken the cricket organisation to court after he was denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to represent the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Why Nuwan Thushara sued SLC
The SLC had recently introduced mandatory fitness standards for cricketers who were looking to play in franchise leagues outside of Sri Lanka. As per SLC, Thushara didn’t achieve the required score in the time-bound 2-kilometer sprint test. In response, the 31-year-old moved the Colombo District Court.
He named SLC President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva in his motion, claiming that he had opted against the central contract and informed the board that he would retire from international cricket. This means SLC has no right to deny an NOC.
Thushara also argued that he’ll suffer significant income loss if he doesn’t play for RCB in IPL 2026. Picked for INR 1.60 crore in 2025, the slingy pacer played just 1 match last season. He feared that teams wouldn’t bid for him in the coming years if he wasn’t allowed to play for RCB. Not just in the IPL but also in other leagues.
Withdraws case
However, after 3 weeks, Thushara has withdrawn his appeal against the SLC. According to ESPNcricinfo, during the latest hearing, Thushara’s legal team informed the court that he wished to withdraw his case. Considering half of the IPL 2026 season was already over, and the case would perhaps outlast the entire tournament, he found no reason to continue fighting the case.
Thushara had sent a written apology to SLC and hopes to move on from the dispute. This could also mean that he’ll accept a central contract and perhaps reconsider taking international retirement as well.
What it means for RCB
Since Thushara was officially ruled out, RCB couldn’t have named a replacement for him. Now, they can. Although the reigning champions are in a comfortable position, winning 4 out of 6 matches. They’ll be happy to take this opportunity to add an overseas player to the mix.
Josh Hazlewood has already played 3 matches. His replacement, Jacob Duffy, stepped up when he wasn’t available. But it wouldn’t hurt to add another bowler in the mix. RCB can opt to pick a spinner as well, considering they don’t have a quality foreign tweaker.
