The dispute that started between Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) regarding playing in IPL 2026 has now reached an interesting turn. Thushara, who initially approached the court against his own cricket board, now seems to be relenting and has apologized to the SLC and indicated to withdraw his case. This entire incident has also fueled the debate between the players and the board regarding rights and rules.
What is the matter?
Actually, Thushara was included in their team by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2026. Even before this, he had been a part of the team in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. But this time SLC refused to give him NOC. The board said that Thushara had failed in the fitness test prescribed for selection in the national team, hence he could not be allowed. Sri Lanka Cricket has in recent times strictly enforced the fitness standards for the players and this decision was taken on this basis.
Tushaka filed a petition
Thushara had filed a petition in the Colombo District Court against this decision, seeking intervention. He argued in the court that his central contract with SLC had expired on March 31 and he did not want to extend it further. Not only this, he also said that he has expressed his desire to retire from international cricket, in such a situation it is unfair for the board to withhold NOC on the basis of fitness test. Thushara also argued that earlier too he had been allowed to play at the same fitness level.
However, SLC made it clear in the court that it will oppose Thushara’s petition and justify its decision as per the rules. The court allowed the board to file its objections and posted the matter for further hearing on April 23. This indicated that the matter may drag on and it may be difficult for Thushara to play in the IPL.
Thushara apologized!
Meanwhile, the big turn in this controversy came when Thushara sent an apology to SLC through email. He said that his intention was not to cause any inconvenience to the board, but he was only seeking justice and fairness. News agency PTI quoted sources as saying, Thushara is now also considering withdrawing the case filed by him, which has increased the chances of ending the conflict between the two parties.
31-year-old Thushara has also had an impressive T20 career. He has played 30 T20 International matches for Sri Lanka since 2022 and has overall taken 174 wickets in 137 T20 matches. His bowling, especially in the death overs, makes him a valuable T20 specialist. This is the reason why they remain in demand in big leagues like IPL.