Overview
- Thushara filed his petition in Colombo on Thursday, with a full hearing set for April 9, seeking clearance to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
- Sri Lanka Cricket denied his No Objection Certificate under a new points-based fitness policy that requires at least 17 of 29 points across a 2 km run, 20 m sprint, 5-0-5 agility test, skinfold measure, and a counter-movement jump.
- The fast bowler argues his central contract expired on March 31 and that he told SLC he would step away from international cricket, warning that delay could see RCB replace him and cost him significant earnings.
- He has named SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants, and he is asking the court for interim and permanent orders to compel the NOC.
- An NOC is a home-board clearance required for overseas leagues, and the dispute comes as other Sri Lankan players such as Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga await fitness-based clearance, putting IPL roster plans under strain.