Sri Lankan cricketers now have a new platform to represent their interests, with white-ball captain Kusal Mendis appointed as the first president of the newly established Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA).
The association was formally launched on Saturday, August 8, marking a significant development in the country’s cricketing landscape. The SLPCA aims to provide professional players with a stronger and more organised voice on matters concerning their careers, welfare and the wider development of the sport.
Mendis will head the new body, which also has prominent names from Sri Lankan cricket involved in its structure. Women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are among the notable players associated with the initiative.
The creation of the SLPCA comes at a time when Sri Lankan cricket is itself going through a period of institutional change. The sport’s administration is currently undergoing a reform process, with a Cricket Transformation Committee working on changes to the country’s cricketing structure and a new constitution also being developed.
Against that backdrop, the establishment of a dedicated players’ organisation could give cricketers a greater role in discussions about the future direction of the game.
“The formation of the SLPCA comes at a landmark time for Sri Lankan cricket,” the association said in its statement.
The organisation said the players’ voice would be particularly important as Sri Lanka attempts to modernise its cricketing system.
“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 statement added.
Kusal Mendis welcomes new role
For Mendis, the appointment represents a new responsibility away from his role on the field. The batter, who currently leads Sri Lanka’s white-ball teams, will now also serve as the principal representative of the country’s professional cricketers.
Reflecting on the formation of the organisation, Mendis said:
“We’re proud to have established SPCA to represent Sri Lanka’s players at this important time,” Mendis said.
The SLPCA’s formation also comes against the backdrop of earlier attempts to establish player representation in Sri Lankan cricket. With Sri Lankan cricket undergoing wider governance reforms, the SLPCA could play a key role in ensuring that the views of active cricketers are part of the conversation.