Kusal Mendis Named First President as Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association Launched

The Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA) was officially launched on Saturday, marking a significant step towards stronger player representation and modernisation of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis has been appointed as the association’s inaugural president. The new body has received strong backing from leading players, including women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu and star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga.

The SLPCA has been established as an independent and collective voice for professional cricketers, with the aim of representing players’ interests and working with cricket authorities on issues affecting their careers and welfare.

“The formation of the SLPCA comes at a landmark time for Sri Lankan cricket,” the association said in a media release, pointing to ongoing reforms and efforts to strengthen governance and modernise the country’s domestic cricket structure.

Players’ Voice Amid Cricket Reforms

The launch comes at a time of significant administrative change in Sri Lankan cricket. Sri Lanka Cricket is currently undergoing a major reform process under a government-appointed Transformation Committee, while work is also underway on a new constitution for the sport.

The SLPCA said the creation of an organised players’ body would complement those reforms and help establish a more collaborative cricketing environment aligned with international standards.

“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 said.

Affiliation With World Cricketers’ Association

The SLPCA is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), giving Sri Lankan players access to international player-advocacy networks, welfare programmes and other global initiatives.

The development also strengthens Sri Lanka’s representation within the international players’ movement. Earlier this year, Chamari Athapaththu was appointed to the WCA Player Advisory Board.

Sri Lanka had previously been among the major cricketing nations without a formally recognised players’ association affiliated with the WCA, alongside countries such as India and Pakistan.

The SLPCA now brings Sri Lanka closer to the player-representation structures already established in countries such as Australia, England and New Zealand.

Platform to Address Player Concerns

The formation of the association could also provide players with a central platform to address recurring issues between cricketers and Sri Lanka Cricket.

Disagreements over no-objection certificates, fitness requirements and players’ participation in overseas franchise competitions have highlighted the need for a structured mechanism through which players can negotiate with administrators.

Unlike the previous Sri Lanka Cricketers’ Association, which existed intermittently from 2001 and was criticised for having a strong presence of former players, the SLPCA is being led by active cricketers.

The association also places men’s and women’s cricket on an equal footing, with leading players from both national teams involved in its formation.

Mendis and Athapaththu Welcome New Association

Mendis said the players were proud to establish the organisation at an important moment for Sri Lankan cricket.

“We're proud to have established SLPCA 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 said.

Athapaththu also welcomed the move, describing the creation of the players’ association as another important step in Sri Lanka’s cricket reforms.

“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,” she said.

With active international players now at the centre of its leadership, the SLPCA is expected to play an important role in shaping the future relationship between Sri Lankan cricketers and the country’s cricket administrators.