Sri Lanka Launches Professional Cricketers’ Association with Kusal Mendis as President

The Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA) was officially launched on Saturday, with Kusal Mendis, the men’s white-ball captain, appointed as its first president. The association aims to provide a collective and independent voice for professional cricketers in Sri Lanka, receiving strong backing from notable figures like women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu and allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga.

The formation of the SLPCA comes at a crucial time for Sri Lankan cricket, amid significant reforms and positive changes in governance and domestic structures, according to a media release. The launch occurs during a phase of administrative upheaval, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) undergoing a comprehensive reform process led by a temporary, government-appointed Transformation Committee. The establishment of this players’ association is part of ongoing efforts to modernise the sport in the country, with a new constitution currently in development.

The SLPCA is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), which serves as the global federation for professional cricket players. Historically, Sri Lankan cricketers have had limited access to WCA’s international programs, welfare safety nets, and advocacy networks. Athapaththu’s recent appointment to the WCA Player Advisory Board underscores this new alignment. Until now, Sri Lanka was among the few major cricketing nations, alongside India and Pakistan, that had not recognized or affiliated with the WCA.

By establishing the SLPCA, Sri Lanka aims to emulate successful models such as the Australian Cricketers’ Association and England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association. The association provides a centralised platform for negotiations regarding issues like scheduling conflicts and the career flexibility needed for players, particularly during disputes over no-objection certificates and fitness tests required for participation in commercial leagues like the IPL.

While a previous union, the Sri Lanka Cricketers’ Association, existed in various forms since 2001, it faced criticism for being dominated by retired players and often influenced by board pressures. The SLPCA represents a shift towards direct leadership from active players, including both men’s and women’s national teams, ensuring that women’s cricket receives equal footing in the association’s framework.

Kusal Mendis expressed pride in the establishment of the SLPCA, emphasizing its importance for representing Sri Lanka’s players, and stated, “We look forward to working constructively and collaboratively with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee, and other stakeholders as cricket continues to grow.” Athapaththu highlighted the progress seen through the Transformation Committee’s work, calling the players’ association an essential step forward in providing effective player representation for Sri Lankan cricketers.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn