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.