Kusal Mendis named inaugural president of Sri Lanka players' association

The SLPCA has been created as an independent body designed to represent professional cricketers and address issues affecting their careers, welfare and working conditions. Its formation comes at a time of considerable change within Sri Lankan cricket.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is undergoing an administrative overhaul led by a government-appointed Transformation Committee, while plans for a new constitution are also being developed. The players' association is expected to become another important part of the effort to reshape the sport's governance structure.

What Happened

A major feature of the SLPCA is its affiliation with the World Cricketers' Association (WCA), which represents professional players internationally. The partnership will give Sri Lankan cricketers greater access to the WCA's global programmes, welfare initiatives and player-representation networks.

• The Sri Lanka Cricketers' Association operated intermittently from 2001, but its structure and leadership attracted criticism, particularly over the influence of former players and concerns about its independence from the cricket board.

• Sri Lanka has had a players' union in the past.

• Earlier this year, similar concerns emerged around conditions attached to NOCs for participation in leagues such as the IPL.

Key Details

The connection is already being strengthened at the international level.

• Issues surrounding no-objection certificates, fitness requirements and player availability for overseas franchise competitions have repeatedly created friction.

• The new body could also play an important role in resolving long-running disagreements between players and SLC.

• The SLPCA's launch brings Sri Lankan cricket closer to the model followed by established organisations including the Australian Cricketers' Association, England's Professional Cricketers' Association and the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association.

Why It Matters

Until now, Sri Lanka had been among the major cricket-playing nations without a formal players' body affiliated with the WCA, alongside countries such as India and Pakistan.

• Athapaththu was appointed to the WCA Player Advisory Board earlier this year, giving Sri Lankan women's cricket a direct presence within the organisation's global player structure.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge