Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Nuwan Thushara has taken Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to court after being denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.

The Sri Lankan fast bowler, who was signed by RCB, has filed a case in the Colombo District Court seeking an order directing SLC to grant him the clearance required to join the franchise. As per a report in News Wire, the matter is scheduled to be heard on April 9.

The dispute arose after SLC refused to issue Thushara an NOC, citing his failure to meet the board’s newly introduced mandatory fitness criteria for players participating in overseas T20 leagues.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva stated that players must secure at least 17 out of 29 points across five fitness parameters to qualify. Thushara reportedly failed to meet that benchmark, resulting in the denial of his IPL clearance.

The issue has gained further attention because Thushara claims his central contract with Sri Lanka Cricket expired on March 31, and that he had already informed the board of his decision not to renew it.

In his plea, the 31-year-old has argued that he was allowed to feature in previous IPL seasons and that being blocked this time could cost him not only a place in RCB’s squad, but also substantial earnings and future professional opportunities.

According to reports, Thushara is concerned that RCB could look for a replacement if the NOC matter remains unresolved.

RCB made a brilliant start to their IPL 2026 campaign and currently sit second on the points table with two points and an impressive net run rate of +2.907.

They opened their campaign with a convincing six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Rajat Patidar and his men will next take on five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, April 5, at the same venue.

- Ends