Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has initiated legal action against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), seeking court intervention to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that would allow him to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

The matter was taken up before the Colombo District Court, which has scheduled the next hearing for April 9. Thushara has named several top SLC officials as defendants, including President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva.

According to court filings, Thushara was picked by Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL season, having previously featured in the tournament in both 2024 and 2025 after receiving the necessary clearance from SLC. However, the board has declined to issue the NOC this year, citing his failure to meet required fitness standards.

Thushara, in his petition, has challenged this decision, stating that his contract with SLC expired on March 31, 2026, and that he had already informed the board of his intention not to renew it. He further claims he had been made aware that he was not in contention for national selection, making the fitness-based refusal unreasonable.

The pacer has also argued that his current fitness levels are consistent with those maintained during previous seasons when he was granted NOCs. He warns that the denial could cost him his IPL contract, resulting in significant financial loss and missed career opportunities.
Through the case, Thushara is seeking legal recognition of his right to obtain the NOC, along with court orders compelling SLC to grant him clearance to play in the IPL and other overseas leagues.

Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to actress Harshi Rasanga, accusing her of making false and misleading statements on social media following recent court proceedings.

According to Rajapaksa’s legal representatives, the actress had informed court that the gold chain at the center of the dispute had been pawned. However, they claim she later contradicted this statement publicly, prompting the cricketer to initiate legal action.

The controversy revolves around a gold chain valued at over Rs. 900,000. Rajapaksa alleges that the chain had been borrowed by Rasanga and pawned without his knowledge or consent.
Rasanga was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police’s Thalangama division and later produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

During the court hearing, the defence stated that the chain had indeed been pawned and indicated that steps could be taken to redeem and return it. However, speaking to the media afterward, Rasanga claimed that the chain had been given to her as a gift during a personal relationship.

The court has directed Thalangama Police to take custody of the gold chain and present it at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 22.

Delhi Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a fresh opening combination, as Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka is likely to partner India star KL Rahul at the top of the order.

The Capitals face Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match today at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow, and all eyes will be on how the new-look batting lineup shapes up. While Rahul’s role as opener is confirmed, the team management has been weighing their options for the second slot, with Prithvi Shaw and Abhishek Porel also in contention.

However, indications suggest that Nissanka has edged ahead in the race, with the franchise keen to utilize his consistency and ability to anchor innings in the powerplay. His calm approach at the crease could complement Rahul’s experience, giving Delhi a balanced start at the top.

The Capitals have also bolstered their middle order with the inclusion of David Miller, who adds firepower alongside fellow South African Tristan Stubbs. The duo is expected to provide the late-innings acceleration that Delhi often lacked in previous seasons.

Despite missing Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for the opening fixture due to injury, Delhi still boast a formidable bowling attack. Captain Axar Patel will lead from the front with his all-round abilities, while the spin department is strengthened by the ever-reliable Kuldeep Yadav.
In the pace department, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi brings experience and variation, having impressed with his clever change of pace in recent T20 competitions. Meanwhile, left-arm seamer T Natarajan returns fully fit after a lengthy injury layoff, adding further depth to the attack.