Sri Lanka Contract: Nuwan Thushara Back After Case Exit

Sri Lanka Cricket Announces 2026-27 National Contracts

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced the list of 46 men’s cricketers who will be awarded national contracts for the 2026-27 period. The contracts are valid from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Among the notable names in the list is Nuwan Thushara, a medium pacer who had previously withdrawn legal proceedings against the board. His return to the contracted group highlights a restored working relationship with the administrators after disagreements earlier this year regarding the conditions attached to No-Objection Certificates for overseas franchise participation.

The selection process involved dividing players into six categories, although specific details about these categories have not been disclosed. The contract list includes both established international players and several uncapped or emerging domestic talents across the country.

New Inclusions and Senior Presence

This year’s contract list features several first-time recipients, including Jaffna legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, batters Kamil Mishara and Lasith Croospulle, and allrounders Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, and Dilum Sudeera. These additions reflect the board’s focus on nurturing young talent and providing opportunities to emerging players.

Senior players such as Dinesh Chandimal and Kasun Rajitha are also included in the list. Both have made significant contributions to Test cricket, while limited-overs specialist Binura Fernando remains part of the setup. However, there were some notable omissions, such as batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who featured in domestic cricket earlier this year but did not receive a contract.

Thushara Dispute Resolved

Nuwan Thushara’s inclusion in the contract list marks the resolution of a long-standing dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket. Earlier this year, he filed a case against the board after objecting to the requirement of a fitness test before granting a No-Objection Certificate for overseas franchise participation. Following the removal of board members by the Sri Lankan government, Thushara withdrew his case and later informed the newly appointed administrators that he was available for national selection. The Transformation Committee subsequently accepted his eligibility.

His presence in the contracts confirms that the administrative dispute has been resolved. However, Sri Lanka Cricket did not disclose financial details, category placements, or additional contractual conditions linked to the awarded agreements.