IPL 2026: Nuwan Thushara’s NOC Row Takes Ugly Turn, Tribunal Hearing Postponed

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has witnessed a dramatic turn of events with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Nuwan Thushara embroiled in a bitter dispute. The fast bowler, who was set to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) this season, has been ruled out due to the SLC’s refusal to clear his No Objection Certificate (NOC) under a strict new fitness rule.

This decision has left a huge blow to the RCB franchise, which had previously retained Thushara for the ongoing season. The right-arm medium-fast bowler had made a strong impression in the 2024 season with Mumbai Indians, taking 9 wickets in 8 matches, including a best of 3/28.

Nuwan Thushara’s Unique Strengths

Thushara, known for his rare sling-arm action, has been one of the most talked-about names in the cricket world due to his unique style, angles, and sharp yorkers. He made his T20I debut in February 2022 at the SCG and has played 30 matches for Sri Lanka, taking 36 wickets so far.

The 31-year-old bowler last played for Sri Lanka in January 2026 against Pakistan in Dambulla. His form and ability to take wickets in the shortest format have caught the attention of several franchises, including RCB, who bought him for ₹1.60 crore for IPL 2025.

The NOC Row: Is it Fair?

The SLC’s decision to block Thushara’s NOC has raised several eyebrows, with many questioning the fairness of the new fitness policy. Thushara, who informed the court that he had already stepped away from international cricket, has insisted that his fitness is the same as before and that SLC had no problem issuing him NOCs in previous IPL stints.

His petition to the Colombo District Court stated that his contract with Sri Lanka Cricket ended on March 31, 2026, and that he had already told the SLC about his unavailability for the national selection. Thushara also claimed that blocking his NOC on fitness grounds makes no sense, given his past performances and the fact that SLC had previously allowed him to participate in the IPL.

The court, hearing both sides of the argument, has now postponed the tribunal to April 23, 2026, allowing Sri Lanka Cricket to submit their objections. However, the SLC has made it clear that they will strongly oppose Thushara’s request, stating that no player should be allowed to bypass the new system.

Twitter Reactions

Nuwan Thushara’s NOC row has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many cricket fans and experts sharing their opinions on the matter. Here are a few tweets that highlight the gravity of the situation:

• No easy ride for the fast bowler! Sri Lanka Cricket hits back hard, informing Colombo District Court that it will strongly object to Nuwan Thushara’s petition seeking a court order to force SLC to issue an NOC for the 2026 IPL and other overseas T20 leagues.
• https://t.co/boLQFfJhSD
• Nuwan Thushara requests Colombo District Court to force SLC to issue an NOC for the 2026 IPL and other overseas T20 leagues.

Awaiting the Court’s Decision

As the Colombo District Court deliberates on the matter, the cricket fraternity is eagerly waiting for the outcome of this high-stakes battle. Will Nuwan Thushara’s NOC row be resolved in his favor, or will the SLC’s stance prevail? Only time will tell.