Kusal Mendis Named First President of Sri Lanka Professional Cricketers’ Association

Kusal Mendis has been appointed the inaugural president of the newly established Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA), which was officially launched on Saturday as an independent body representing professional cricketers in Sri Lanka.

The association has received strong backing from prominent players, including women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Its formation comes at a significant time for Sri Lankan cricket, which is undergoing major administrative and structural reforms.

SLPCA aims to give Sri Lankan players a stronger voice

The SLPCA has been created to provide Sri Lankan cricketers with an organised platform to address issues related to player welfare, careers, scheduling and professional representation.

The association said its formation comes during a period of positive change in Sri Lankan cricket, including the ongoing work of the government-appointed Transformation Committee, which is overseeing reforms aimed at strengthening governance and modernising the domestic cricket structure.

Alongside these reforms, the establishment of a dedicated players’ association is expected to provide cricketers with a stronger voice when dealing with Sri Lanka cricket and other stakeholders.

SLPCA affiliated with World Cricketers’ Association

The newly formed association 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.

Sri Lanka had previously been one of the major cricketing nations without a formally recognised player association affiliated with the WCA. The SLPCA now brings Sri Lankan players closer to the model followed by established organisations such as the Australian Cricketers’ Association, England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association and the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association.

Chamari Athapaththu’s involvement also strengthens the association’s international connection. The Sri Lanka women’s captain was appointed to the WCA Player Advisory Board earlier this year.

Women’s cricket given equal representation

One of the significant features of the SLPCA is the equal representation of men’s and women’s cricket. Active players and leading figures from both national teams are directly involved in the organisation.

This represents a major change from the previous Sri Lanka Cricketers’ Association, which existed intermittently from 2001 and was historically associated with retired players. The new organisation is instead led by current players and national-team leaders.

Player welfare and career issues among key priorities

The SLPCA could also play an important role in resolving recurring disputes between players and Sri Lanka Cricket. Issues surrounding no-objection certificates, commercial leagues and mandatory fitness requirements have previously created tensions between the board and players.

A centralised players’ association could provide a formal platform for negotiations over scheduling, workload management, career flexibility and participation in overseas leagues.

Kusal Mendis and Chamari Athapaththu welcome new association

Kusal Mendis said the players were proud to establish the association and expressed his intention to work constructively with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee and other stakeholders.

Athapaththu also welcomed the development, describing the creation of the Players’ Association as an important step forward for Sri Lankan cricket and noting that Sri Lankan cricketers can now join their international counterparts in benefiting from effective player representation.

With Kusal Mendis serving as its first president and leading figures from both men’s and women’s cricket involved, the SLPCA marks a significant development in the professional structure of Sri Lankan cricket.