3 weeks ago
Kusal Mendis named inaugural president of Sri Lanka players' association
Cricket is a very popular sport in Sri Lanka, and the players who represent the country decided they wanted a group that speaks up for all of them.
They created a new club called the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association, or SLPCA for short.
This group works like a team of helpers that makes sure the players' ideas and concerns are heard.
Kusal Mendis, the captain of the men's team, was chosen to be the very first leader of this group.
Two famous players, Chamari Athapaththu and Wanindu Hasaranga, helped back the new group.
The SLPCA is connected to similar player groups that already exist around the world.
Sri Lanka's cricket leaders are also working on reforms to make the sport better organized.
The players say the new association will give them a genuine, organised voice.
It is an important step for Sri Lankan cricket at a time of positive progress and change.
Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka's men's white-ball captain, has been named the inaugural president of the newly launched Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association (SLPCA).
The SLPCA is backed by women's captain Chamari Athapaththu and leg-spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.
The association was established to serve as an independent and collective voice for professional cricketers in Sri Lanka.
The launch comes amid administrative upheaval, with Sri Lanka Cricket undergoing reforms under a government-appointed Transformation Committee.
The SLPCA is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers' Association (WCA) and, unlike previous player unions, is led by current marquee players with women's cricket on equal footing.
- Who
- Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka's men's white-ball captain, named inaugural president, with Chamari Athapaththu and Wanindu Hasaranga as main backers.
- What
- Launch of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association (SLPCA), an independent and collective voice for professional cricketers.
- Where
- Sri Lanka.
- When
- Announced via statement on Saturday; exact launch date not specified.
- Why
- To give players an organised, independent voice aligned with international best practice as Sri Lanka Cricket undergoes governance reform under the Transformation Committee.
Key facts
- Association
- Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association (SLPCA)
- Inaugural President
- Kusal Mendis
- Main Backers
- Chamari Athapaththu and Wanindu Hasaranga
- International Affiliation
- World Cricketers' Association (WCA)
- Launch Context
- Sri Lanka Cricket reforms under a government-appointed Transformation Committee
- Key Feature
- Led by current marquee players; women's cricket on equal footing
- Announcement Day
- Saturday
Quotes
Chamari Athapaththu
Sri Lankan women’s cricket captain and SLPCA backer
“We're proud to have established SPCA to represent Sri Lanka's players at this important time, and we look forward to working constructively and collaboratively with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee, and other stakeholders as cricket continues to grow.”
thehansindia.com
“The setting up of the Players' Association is another important step forward and sees Sri Lankan cricketers join many of our international colleagues in cricket and other sports who already benefit from effective player representation.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
Kusal Mendis Leads Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association Launch
Hashan Tillakaratne appointed Sri Lanka senior batting coach
Nagaland Cricket Association President Watinuksung Jamir Named Team India Manager
Sri Lanka Cricket Honors 2025 Season's Finest at Colombo Awards
