Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has expressed hope that the dispute between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the national team players will be resolved ahead of the England tour.
Minister Rajapaksa told NewsWire that he hopes the issue is not related to money, as national interest should be the priority.
He emphasized that the cricketers must sign at least a tour contract to represent the country as per the sports law.
Pointing out that on previous occasions too, cricketers had raised similar contract issues, the Minister said the players had signed tour contracts and carried on to participate in the tours.
He said the 2014 cricket World Cup squad had faced such an issue, but participated in the tournament under a tour contract, adding that bowling legend Lasith Malinga had represented Sri Lanka for 2 years under such a contract.
Voicing hope that the players will sign tour contracts ahead of the England tour, the Sports Minister said hopefully both parties will resolve the technical issues pertaining to the annual contracts by engaging in a discussion.
Minister Namal Rajapaksa further praised the players for raising issues with regard to their contracts as a team and not individuals, hoping that they will continue to represent Sri Lanka as one team in the upcoming England tour as well.
The Sports Minister expressed these views, after a tense meeting was held at the Taj Samudra Hotel this morning between the national team and Sri Lanka Cricket officials regarding the contract issue.
The national team has to depart tomorrow for the England tour and the cricketers are yet to reach a settlement over the issues pertaining to their contracts. (NewsWire)
Disappointed that #SLC players & @OfficialSLC haven’t succeeded in reaching consensus on new player contracts. Motivating our players through competitive compensation is important but should not be the deciding factor to represent country. Players should always put #countryfirst.
— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) June 7, 2021
