Nuwan Thushara issues apology to Sri Lanka Cricket

Pace bowler Nuwan Thushara has issued an apology to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and expressed his willingness to withdraw legal proceedings following a dispute over the denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

In a formal email addressed to SLC Chief Executive Officer Ashley de Silva, with copies sent to board president Shammi Silva and another senior official, the fast bowler clarified that his actions were never intended to escalate the matter into a legal confrontation.

“My sole intention throughout this process has been to seek fairness and justice, as I genuinely feel that I have been treated unfairly in this matter,” Thushara wrote.

He further emphasised that his initial steps were motivated by a desire to have his concerns heard, rather than to create conflict or damage the reputation of the board.

“The steps I initially considered were driven by a desire to have my concerns heard and addressed appropriately, rather than to create conflict or bring disrepute to the organization,” he added.

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Nuwan Thushara also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused to the board and its officials during the ongoing dispute.

“I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience, misunderstanding, or distress that my actions may have caused to Sri Lanka Cricket and its officials,” he stated.

In the same communication, the pacer indicated that he remains open to an amicable resolution and is prepared to withdraw legal action altogether.

“With this in mind, I would like to express my willingness to withdraw any legal action and instead seek an amicable resolution to this matter. I remain hopeful that we can move forward in a positive and constructive manner,” he said.

The right-arm fast bowler had earlier approached the Colombo District Court, seeking an order compelling SLC to issue him an NOC for franchise opportunities abroad, including the IPL.

However, the request was rejected by SLC because he had not met the board’s newly introduced fitness requirements, which led to the escalation of the dispute.

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Sri Lanka suffers another major blow ahead of India series

Sri Lanka has suffered another setback in their preparations for the white-ball home series against India, as fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out due to an injury.

Mahinda Halangoda, the Sri Lanka team manager confirmed that Thushara will miss the series due to a broken finger in his non-bowling hand.

The right-handed bowler suffered the injury during a fielding practice session, which was severe enough to rule him out.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named left-arm pace bowler Dilshan Madushanka as Thushara’s replacement.

Prior to Thushara, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera was also ruled out of the series due to an illness and was replaced by Asitha Fernando.

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Sri Lanka is set to play a three-match T20I series, followed by as many ODIs against India. The T20I series is scheduled to commence on July 26 with the second and third T20Is set to be played on July 27 and 29 respectively.

All three T20Is will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium before the action shifts to Colombo, where the ODI series will take place.

The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will kick off on August 1 while the remaining fixtures will be played on August 4 and 7. All three ODIs will be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

For the unversed, Sri Lanka named middle-order batter Charith Asalanka as their new T20I captain ahead of the series, replacing all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who stepped down following the team’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Sri Lanka T20I squad for India series

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando and Binura Fernando

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