Kusal Mendis Appointed as Inaugural President of Sri Lanka Cricket Players’ Association

The Sri Lanka Players’ Cricket Association (SLPCA) was launched on August 8, 2026, establishing a formal platform for professional cricketers to voice their concerns and interests. Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s men’s white-ball captain, has been named the inaugural president of the organization. The SLPCA is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers’ Association, representing a pivotal shift in player representation within Sri Lankan cricket.

The timing of the SLPCA’s formation aligns with ongoing modernization initiatives within Sri Lankan cricket. Sri Lanka Cricket is undergoing restructuring under a temporary government-appointed Transformation Committee tasked with enhancing governance and domestic frameworks. Historically, Sri Lanka, alongside India’s BCCI and Pakistan’s PCB, remained outside formal World Cricketers’ Association affiliation. A prior Sri Lanka Cricketers’ Association, operational intermittently since 2001, was predominantly led by retired players rather than active professionals.

“The formation of the SLPCA comes at a landmark time for Sri Lankan cricket, following a sustained period of positive progress and reform across the sport in the country, including the work of the game’s transformation committee to strengthen governance and modernise the domestic structure,” a media release stated.

Significance of the New Player Association

The SLPCA marks a fundamental restructuring of player representation in Sri Lankan cricket. Led by active current captains and prominent players from both the men’s and women’s teams, this new body ensures equal standing for women’s cricket for the first time. This model aligns with contemporary international standards and contrasts with previous structures that often marginalized female participation.

“Alongside the governance reforms and transformation work already underway, having a genuine, organised player voice is another important step toward a modern, collaborative game that is aligned with international best practice,” the release added.

Transition from Previous Structures

Women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed strong support for the association, reflecting approval from women’s cricket leadership. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga also endorsed the initiative, indicating broader acceptance from the playing community. The SLPCA is positioned to collaborate with Sri Lanka Cricket and the Transformation Committee on issues affecting professional players, maintaining a commitment to cooperative engagement on welfare and representation matters.

“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,” Mendis, as SPCA president, stated.

Athapaththu emphasized the association’s potential to elevate Sri Lankan cricket: “Through the work of the Transformation Committee, we have already seen great progress in Sri Lankan cricket. 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.”

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