Sri Lanka Cricket has notified the Colombo District Court of its intention to challenge a petition filed by fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, who is seeking clearance to compete in overseas franchise tournaments, including the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

During recent court proceedings, the governing body stated that formal objections to the application will be submitted. The court has scheduled the matter to be taken up again on April 23, allowing Sri Lanka Cricket time to present its response.

Thushara’s petition requests an interim order compelling the board to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a requirement for players մասնակցating in foreign leagues. He argues that the certificate is essential for him to honor commitments with international franchises.

In his filing, Thushara has named several top officials of Sri Lanka Cricket as respondents, citing their roles in the decision-making process. He claims he was selected by an IPL franchise for the 2026 season, having previously taken part in earlier editions of the tournament with the board’s approval.

However, Sri Lanka Cricket has declined to issue the NOC this year, reportedly citing newly introduced fitness requirements. Thushara disputes this reasoning, noting that his contract with the board ended in March 2026 and that he has already stepped away from international cricket.

He further maintains that denying the NOC could result in financial losses and missed professional opportunities, as franchises may be forced to replace him.

A brilliant century from Lasith Croospulle guided Sri Lanka ‘A’ to a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand ‘A’ in the second unofficial ODI played in Hambantota.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka ‘A’ posted a formidable 368/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Croospulle led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 76 balls, striking 13 fours and six sixes in an aggressive display. He was well supported by Sonal Dinusha, who hammered 93 off 77 deliveries, and captain Sahan Arachchige, who contributed a solid 74. The top order maintained a high scoring rate throughout, consistently putting pressure on the visiting bowlers. Despite a few wickets falling at regular intervals, the hosts kept the momentum intact to reach an imposing total.

In response, New Zealand ‘A’ faced a revised target of 203 in 28 overs but managed only 158/3. Curtis Heaphy top-scored with an unbeaten 53, while Dale Phillips added 34. However, the required run rate proved too steep as Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowlers maintained control. Dilshan Madushanka struck early, and Milan Rathnayaka and Ravindu Fernando chipped in with key wickets to restrict the chase.

Sri Lanka U19 Women suffered their first defeat of the tri-series after a dramatic one-wicket loss to Australia U19 Women in Match 3 of the Under-19 Women’s Tri-Series in Australia.

Batting first, Sri Lanka U19 Women posted a modest total of 174 in 49.3 overs. The innings was built around a patient 25 off 56 balls by V. Balasuriya and a brisk 20 from U. Peiris, but the side struggled to build lasting partnerships. Australia’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout, with M. Barwick leading the effort with an impressive 3 for 22, well supported by disciplined spells from the rest of the unit.

In response, Australia U19 Women chased down the target in 43.1 overs, finishing at 175 for 9 in a nail-biting finish. A. Dermody anchored the innings with a crucial 59 off 81 deliveries, while I. Panelli added a valuable unbeaten 37 off 43 balls to guide the hosts over the line.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers made a strong effort to defend the total, led by A. Thalagune’s outstanding five-wicket haul (5 for 42), which kept the contest alive until the final moments. N. Upeksha also provided excellent support with 3 for 5, applying pressure during the middle overs.