Sri Lanka’s professional cricketers have announced the formation of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA), a new representative body aimed at supporting and advocating for the country’s players.
Sri Lanka men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis has been appointed the inaugural President of the SLPCA.
“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.
Sri Lanka women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu welcomed the move, saying the establishment of the association was another important step forward for 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,” Athapaththu said.
National players Binura Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga also backed the initiative, saying it would provide a collective voice for players and contribute towards the future development of the game.
The SLPCA said players’ associations operate independently to represent players collectively, protect their interests, support their wellbeing and development, and ensure players have a voice in decisions affecting their careers.
Newswire observes that, according to reports, the new Sri Lankan players’ association is linked to the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), the global body representing professional cricketers.
More than 750 current international players from 17 of the world’s top 19 cricket countries are currently participating in WCA programmes.
With Sri Lankan players joining the programme, they join players represented across countries including Australia, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Uganda, the West Indies, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Namibia and Italy. (Newswire)