Kusal Mendis named inaugural president of Sri Lanka players’ association
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A New Chapter for Sri Lankan Cricket
The landscape of cricket in Sri Lanka underwent a significant transformation this Saturday with the official launch of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA). In a move celebrated by fans and athletes alike, men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis named inaugural president of Sri Lanka players’ association. This landmark establishment provides an independent and collective voice for the country’s professional cricketers, ensuring their interests are protected and represented at the highest levels.
The SLPCA is not merely a symbolic gesture; it has garnered immense support from the sport’s biggest names. Women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu and star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga have both thrown their weight behind the initiative. This unity highlights a broader push for change within the sport, as stakeholders look to move past historical administrative tensions and foster a more collaborative future.
According to an official media release, the formation of the SLPCA coincides with a period of positive reform. The country is currently undergoing a heavy administrative overhaul led by a government-appointed Transformation Committee, aimed at strengthening governance and modernizing domestic structures. The establishment of a players’ union is viewed as a vital step toward aligning Sri Lankan cricket with international best practices.
Global Alignment and WCA Affiliation
One of the most consequential aspects of this launch is the SLPCA’s direct affiliation with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA). Previously, Sri Lanka was among the few major cricketing nations, alongside India and Pakistan, that lacked a formal, structured connection to this global advocacy network. By joining the WCA, Sri Lankan players gain access to essential international programs, welfare safety nets, and professional advocacy resources.
This integration is already showing results. Earlier this year, Chamari Athapaththu was appointed to the WCA Player Advisory Board, signaling Sri Lanka’s growing influence in international cricket governance. By adopting this model, the SLPCA aims to mirror the success of well-established bodies like the Australian Cricketers’ Association and the Professional Cricketers’ Association in England.
Resolving Long-Standing Conflicts
The need for such an association has been apparent for years, as tensions between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and its players have frequently surfaced. Disputes regarding no-objection certificates (NOCs) for commercial leagues like the IPL and mandatory fitness testing requirements have historically created friction. With a centralized, professional body now in place, players have a structured platform to negotiate scheduling, career flexibility, and employment conditions.
While previous attempts at unionization, such as the Sri Lanka Cricketers’ Association founded in 2001, existed in various forms, they were often criticized for being dominated by retired players or suffering from board-level pressure. The SLPCA represents a fundamental departure from this history. It is led directly by active national captains and marquee players, ensuring that the current generation of athletes is at the helm of the decision-making process.
Equality and Future Growth
Perhaps the most progressive element of the SLPCA is its commitment to inclusivity. For the first time in the country’s cricketing history, women’s cricket has been placed on an equal footing within the blueprint of a players’ union. Athapaththu noted that the association is a vital step forward, allowing Sri Lankan cricketers to join their international peers in benefiting from effective representation.
As Kusal Mendis takes on his role as president, he expressed pride in the initiative. The association intends to work constructively with the Transformation Committee and Sri Lanka Cricket to ensure the sustainable growth of the game. With governance reforms underway and a new constitution in the pipeline, the formation of the SLPCA marks a turning point, signaling that the future of Sri Lankan cricket will be defined by collaboration, professionalism, and a unified player voice.
