No Objection Certificates, better known in cricketing corridors as NOCs, came into play when the Indian Premier League burst onto the scene and turned the sport on its head. With franchise cricket flashing the big bucks, administrators feared players might trade the national cap for the IPL’s glitter and even walk into early retirement. That’s when the NOC became the gatekeeper.
From the very first IPL season, the NOC has been part of the playing conditions, a formality on paper but a powerful tool in practice. Every cricketer must apply in writing and more often than not boards have rubber-stamped requests, choosing not to play hardball.
On the rare occasions boards tried to tighten the screws, asking players to return early for international duty, the pushback came swiftly. Franchise owners, with deep pockets and louder voices, leaned on boards, and more often than not, the tail wagged the dog.
This time, however, Sri Lanka Cricket have flipped the script. NOCs have been granted only to those who have ticked the fitness boxes, a move that signals both intent and alignment with the Indian board. SLC appear ready to hold their ground, unwilling to be bounced into submission. For once, they are not playing on the back foot and it deserves a nod.
There is little doubt that had Sri Lanka fielded a full-strength attack at the World Cup, the campaign might have had more meat on the bone. Injuries forced selectors to scrape the barrel and while the team reached the second round of the 20-nation showpiece, many felt a semi-final berth was there for the taking, especially after knocking Australia out of the race.
Injuries, of course, are part and parcel of the game. Fast bowlers, in particular, live on the edge. But what raises eyebrows is when the same player breaks down with the same niggle time and again. Sri Lanka missed Eshan Malinga and Matheesha Pathirana, but the biggest hole in the attack was left by Wanindu Hasaranga.
The leg-spinning all-rounder is a banker in world cricket, a wicket-taking option who can change the complexion of a game in a couple of overs.
This is not the first time Hasaranga has been sidelined for a major global event. He also missed the 2023 World Cup and repeated absences at marquee tournaments do little to inspire confidence. Big games demand your big players and Sri Lanka have too often been left without their trump card.
SLC, therefore, are well within their rights to draw a line in the sand. The message is loud and clear, professionalism is non-negotiable. At this level, looking after your body is as important as middling the ball or hitting your lengths. If routines are followed and standards maintained, fitness tests should not be a stumbling block.
For most players, this is a wake-up call. For Nuwan Thushara, though, there is a sense of harsh fortune. Not part of the World Cup squad and now missing out on an IPL deal at a stage when opportunities don’t come knocking twice, it is a bitter pill to swallow. But elite sport is a ruthless business. there are no freebies, no soft dismissals.
All things considered, SLC’s stance is likely to win them the dressing room of public opinion. They have chosen discipline over diplomacy and for once, they have played it straight down the line.
