In a significant development for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara has approached the court to challenge Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) decision to withhold his No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the IPL 2026 season. Reports indicate that Thushara is prepared to retire from international cricket to pursue a career as a T20 freelancer after his contract with the board concluded recently.
Legal Battle in Colombo
On April 2, Thushara initiated legal proceedings against SLC in the Colombo District Court. The pacer is seeking a judicial order that would compel the cricket board to grant him the necessary clearance to join the RCB camp.
The Conflict: SLC has reportedly denied the NOC on the grounds that Thushara failed a fitness test. He is among a small group of Sri Lankan players currently lacking board clearance.
Thushara’s Stance: The bowler argues that his contract with SLC officially ended on March 31 and he has no intention of seeking an extension. Furthermore, he has expressed a desire to move away from international duties to focus on global T20 leagues.
The Hearing: The court has scheduled the hearing for April 9. Thushara has also questioned the board’s fitness assessment, claiming that SLC has permitted him to play under similar physical conditions in the past.
Nuwan Thushara’s IPL Profile
Thushara was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 1.6 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction and was subsequently retained following the team’s title winning campaign.
Despite his retention, his on field opportunities have been limited. He featured in just one match for RCB previously, where he conceded 26 runs in a four over spell during a high scoring encounter against LSG. While the legal outcome remains uncertain, Thushara is expected to remain unavailable for RCB’s immediate fixtures.
RCB Campaign Update: Strong Start Without Key Pacers
While the legal situation unfolds, the defending champions have already begun their 2026 campaign on a high note.
Opening Victory: RCB secured a dominant six wicket win at home to start the season.
Squad Depth: In the absence of both Thushara and star bowler Josh Hazlewood, who is still working toward match fitness, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy made a spectacular IPL debut. Duffy earned the “Player of the Match” award after taking 3 for 22.
Next Match: RCB will remain at home for their next clash on April 5 against the Chennai Super Kings. CSK enters the match looking to rebound after a loss to the Rajasthan Royals in an opener where they missed the services of MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis.
Brief Match Summary: RCB vs LSG (Contextual Reference)
Lucknow Super Giants 227/3 in 20 overs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Match result mentioned as RCB win in context of 2026 opener)
Next Fixture: RCB vs CSK, April 5, Bengaluru.
