Kusal Mendis Named President of New Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association

Sri Lanka's men's white-ball captain, Kusal Mendis, has been appointed president of the newly established Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association (SLPCA). The association officially launched on Saturday, signaling a significant step towards collective player representation in the country's cricket landscape.

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The formation of the SLPCA comes at a landmark time for Sri Lankan cricket, following a sustained period of positive progress and reform across the sport in the country, including the work of the game's transformation committee to strengthen governance and modernise the domestic structure.

Backed by prominent figures including women's captain Chamari Athapaththu and allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga, the SLPCA intends to serve as an independent and unified voice for professional cricketers. Its formation comes at a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan cricket, following a period of positive progress and reform, including efforts to strengthen governance and modernize the domestic structure.

A media release highlighted that the SLPCA's establishment, alongside ongoing governance reforms, is crucial for fostering a modern, collaborative game aligned with international best practices. This development occurs amidst significant administrative changes within Sri Lankan cricket, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) undergoing a major reform process led by a government-appointed Cricket Transformation Committee.

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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 SLPCA's affiliation with the World Cricketers' Association (WCA) provides Sri Lankan players with access to global programs, welfare systems, and player-advocacy networks, addressing a historical lack of structured support. "We're proud to have established SPCA to represent Sri Lanka's players at this important time," stated Mendis, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Sri Lanka Cricket and other stakeholders.

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We're proud to have established SPCA 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.