Sri Lanka Pacer Thushara Withdraws Legal Case Against SLC Over IPL NOC Row

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after a dispute over the denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) .

Thushara, who has represented Sri Lanka in 30 T20 Internationals since 2022 , had moved the district court alleging that SLC refused to grant him an NOC on grounds that he had failed fitness tests . The move effectively blocked his participation in the IPL, where he was expected to feature for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) .

The player had challenged the decision, arguing that his contractual obligations with SLC had ended and that the denial was unfair, particularly given his previous IPL involvement in 2024 and 2025 . The case also highlighted the broader issue of player control and NOC regulations between national boards and franchise leagues.

However, during proceedings on Thursday, Thushara’s counsel informed the court that since most of the IPL matches had already been completed , pursuing the matter further was no longer meaningful. The court accepted the request and allowed the case to be withdrawn.

Thushara also apologised to Sri Lanka Cricket , signalling his intent to move past the dispute and maintain a professional relationship with the board. His withdrawal brings closure to a case that had drawn attention within Sri Lankan cricket circles over fitness standards, selection policies, and overseas league participation rules .

The episode reflects ongoing tensions in modern cricket, where players increasingly balance international commitments and lucrative franchise opportunities , often leading to conflicts over availability and clearance protocols.

While RCB is unlikely to suffer a long-term setback due to squad depth , Thushara’s absence may still be felt in specific roles, particularly in death-over bowling situations , where he was expected to contribute.

With the matter now resolved, both SLC and Thushara are expected to move forward, putting the dispute behind them.