Nuwan Thushara withdraws lawsuit against SLC amid IPL NOC dispute

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his lawsuit against the Sri Lanka Cricket board (Sri Lanka Cricket) just weeks after filing it over the denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Indian Premier League 2026 participation.

Thushara had approached the Colombo District Court after SLC refused to issue him an NOC, citing failure to meet the board’s updated fitness standards. He had argued that the decision was unfair and significantly affected his livelihood, especially as he had previously been allowed to play without such strict fitness conditions.

In his petition, Thushara also indicated his intention to retire from international cricket, although his current stance on that remains unclear.

However, ESPNcricinfo reports that he later informed the court of his decision to withdraw the case, stating that much of the IPL season had already progressed and continuing the legal action was no longer meaningful. He is also understood to have sent a written apology to SLC last week, expressing willingness to resolve the matter.

Under SLC’s revised fitness protocols, Thushara would not be eligible for national selection unless he meets the minimum required standards.

The 31-year-old has previously played in the IPL, representing Mumbai Indians in 2024 and later joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025.

The case, initially filed on April 2 and reviewed in court on multiple occasions, was formally dismissed following his withdrawal on April 23.