Colombo: Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Dushara has sued Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in the Colombo District Court, seeking annulment of its refusal to issue a no-holds-barred certificate (NOC) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The case is notable for the unusual circumstances of the case: Dushara claims the SLC had allowed him with comparable fitness in the previous two IPL seasons, but this time blocked him despite already informing him he would not be considered for national selection.
A hearing is scheduled for April 9, and time is running out quickly. Every match day that passes without a resolution brings him closer to losing his contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
The SLC was denied the NOC as it failed the Dushara Board’s mandatory fitness assessment, scoring 17 out of a possible 29 points across five parameters.
The board maintains that passing the fitness test is mandatory for playing in foreign leagues.
However, Tushara vehemently disputes the decision, arguing that her fitness levels have been consistent throughout her career. The SLC has given him NOCs for the 2024 and 2025 IPL seasons.
He also informed that his SLC contract expired on March 31, 2026 and he had already informed the Board of his decision not to renew it.
On top of this, the SLC officials had told him that he would not feature in future national teams – a fitness-based rejection that would seem ironic.
Tushara has requested the court to declare her eligible for NOC. He has sought interim and permanent injunctions requiring the SLC to issue the certificate immediately and allow him to join RCB in the current season.
Stocks for the 31-year-old fast bowler are rare. If there is no NOC, RCB will be forced to replace him in their squad.
He will not only lose his IPL 2026 salary but also future opportunities in global T20 leagues. Already retired from international cricket, the IPL now represents his primary source of income and professional relevance.
Defending champions RCB are equally desperate for his services. Josh Hazlewood has missed the opening matches due to hamstring and Achilles injuries, while Yash Dayal is out for the entire season.
The franchise lacks reliable overseas pace options and Tushara’s arrival will fill a critical gap in their bowling attack.
So the April 9 hearing will be decisive for the player and the club.
Dushara has represented two teams in the IPL. He first played for Mumbai Indians and took eight wickets in seven matches during the 2024 edition.
For RCB, he has featured in just one match till date – in the previous year’s match – taking a wicket.