World ( The cow news digital ) Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has initiated legal action against the country’s cricket governing body after being denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), escalating a growing dispute between players and administrators.
According to reports, Thushara has filed a petition against Sri Lanka Cricket, naming its president, treasurer, and chief executive officer as respondents in the case. The petition requests judicial intervention to allow him to participate in the IPL, arguing that the board’s decision is unfair and unjustified.
Thushara had been signed by Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming season. However, Sri Lanka Cricket reportedly refused to issue the required clearance after the player failed to meet certain fitness requirements set by the board.
The dispute has now reached the Colombo District Court, where the case is scheduled for hearing on April 9. The legal proceedings are expected to determine whether the board’s decision can be challenged under existing player contract and eligibility regulations.
Thushara has argued that his contractual obligations with Sri Lanka Cricket had already ended on March 31. He further stated that he had informed the board of his decision to step away from international cricket, claiming that he should therefore be free to participate in overseas franchise leagues without restriction.
He also maintained that the decision to deny him an NOC based on fitness criteria is unreasonable, especially after the conclusion of his national contract. His legal team is expected to argue that the restriction violates his professional rights as a free agent.
Sri Lanka Cricket has not yet issued an official public response to the lawsuit. However, the board has previously enforced strict policies regarding player participation in foreign leagues, particularly when fitness standards or national commitments are in question.
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The case highlights ongoing tensions between national cricket boards and players seeking opportunities in global franchise tournaments. With the IPL continuing to expand its global influence, such disputes are becoming increasingly common across cricket-playing nations.
Observers note that the court’s decision could set an important precedent for how player eligibility and NOC regulations are handled in the future, not only in Sri Lanka but across international cricket boards.
