Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket, just a few weeks after filing it over being denied a no-objection certificate (NOC) to feature in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Thushara is part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are yet to name a replacement for the 31-year-old fast bowler.
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, Thushara informed the Colombo District Court that he wanted to withdraw the case since a large part of the IPL season had already passed. It is also understood that he sent a written apology to SLC last week, indicating his intention to step back from the legal dispute.
In his original petition, Thushara had expressed a desire to retire from international cricket. It is not yet clear whether that decision still stands. In any case, under SLC’s current fitness rules, he would not be eligible for selection unless he meets the required standards.
SLC had refused to grant him the NOC because he did not meet their fitness criteria. Thushara had argued that his fitness levels were similar to previous years, during which he had not faced such restrictions.
During this standoff, Thushara had signalled his intention to retire and soon after filed the lawsuit. He claimed that enforcing fitness-based NOC requirements in this manner was unreasonable and affected his livelihood.
The timing of the case, filed on April 2, also drew attention as it coincided with the Easter court holidays, making a quick resolution unlikely. The matter was taken up again on April 9, when SLC said it would file its objections. It was finally heard on Thursday, when the case was dismissed following Thushara’s withdrawal.
Thushara has played 30 international matches for Sri Lanka, all in T20Is. He was part of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 before moving to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025.