Launch of Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association Marks New Era for Players
On Saturday, Sri Lanka’s cricketers took a big step in uniting their voices by establishing the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA). Kusal Mendis, the captain of the white-ball team, has been appointed as the first president. He is joined by top players like Chamari Athapaththu, the women’s captain, and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga in supporting this new initiative.
The SLPCA aims to function as an independent body that represents professional cricketers while addressing their career challenges, welfare, and working conditions. This development comes at a crucial moment for Sri Lankan cricket, which has seen positive changes and reforms, partly driven by a transformation committee focused on improving governance and updating the domestic cricket structure.
The establishment of the SLPCA coincides with a significant overhaul within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), facilitated by a government-appointed Transformation Committee. Along with a new constitution under development, the players’ association will play a key role in reshaping cricket’s governance in the country.
A media release highlighted that establishing a well-organized player voice is essential for fostering a modern and collaborative cricket environment aligned with international practices. A major highlight of the SLPCA is its affiliation with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), which supports professional players across the globe. This partnership will provide Sri Lankan cricketers with enhanced access to global programs, welfare initiatives, and player representation networks.
The collaboration is already gaining momentum internationally, with Athapaththu being appointed to the WCA Player Advisory Board earlier this year. This role gives Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket a stronger voice in global player discussions.
Until now, Sri Lanka was one of the few major cricket nations without a formal players’ organization affiliated with the WCA, alongside countries like India and Pakistan. The launch of the SLPCA positions Sri Lankan cricket to align more closely with established bodies like the Australian Cricketers’ Association and England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association.
The SLPCA could also be key in resolving disputes between players and SLC. Long-standing issues, such as no-objection certificates, fitness guidelines, and player availability for overseas leagues, have often led to tension. Earlier this year, similar concerns arose regarding NOCs for participation in leagues like the IPL.
Kusal Mendis expressed pride in the establishment of the SLPCA, stating, “We’re excited to represent Sri Lanka’s players at this vital time, and we look forward to working together with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee, and other stakeholders as we help cricket evolve.”
This new association marks a shift from the previous players’ union, the Sri Lanka Cricketers’ Association, which had limitations in its structure and faced criticism over its connection to the cricket board. The SLPCA is designed to be more representative and inclusive, led by active players from both men’s and women’s teams, ensuring equal focus on women’s cricket alongside men’s cricket.
As the SLPCA takes its first steps, it aims to create a stronger and more effective platform for all Sri Lankan cricketers.
