KATHMANDU: Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a case in the Colombo District Court against Sri Lanka Cricket after being denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Thushara had been set to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru but was refused clearance for failing to meet newly enforced fitness standards.

Thushara said his board contract expired on March 31 and argued he should be free to pursue franchise cricket. “It is unfair to stop me from earning my livelihood abroad once I am no longer under contract,” he said, adding he had previously received NOCs with similar fitness levels.

Sri Lanka Cricket recently tightened fitness criteria following poor team performance, introducing tests such as a 2-kilometer run, sprint, agility, body fat, and jump assessments, with minimum scores required for eligibility. Thushara failed to meet the benchmark.

The case is scheduled for hearing on April 9, delayed due to Easter court holidays. With the IPL having begun on March 28, Thushara is set to miss at least the opening two weeks. The case echoes that of South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who successfully challenged a similar NOC denial, raising the prospect of a significant precedent.