Kusal Mendis named first-ever president of newly-formed Sri Lanka players' association

The Sri Lanka Players' Cricket Association (SLPCA) was officially launched on August 8, 2026, establishing a formal voice for professional cricketers in the country. Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka's men's white-ball captain, has been appointed as the inaugural president of the newly formed organisation. The SLPCA operates with direct affiliation to the World Cricketers' Association, marking a significant shift in how player representation functions within Sri Lankan cricket.

The timing of the SLPCA's establishment coincides with ongoing modernisation efforts across Sri Lankan cricket. Sri Lanka Cricket is undergoing transformation under a temporary government-appointed Transformation Committee focused on strengthening governance and domestic structures. Historically, Sri Lanka remained among a small group of prominent cricket boards, alongside India's BCCI and Pakistan's PCB, without formal World Cricketers' Association affiliation. A previous Sri Lanka Cricketers' Association existed intermittently since 2001 but was historically dominated by retired players rather than active professionals.

"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," a media release said.

Why the SLPCA matters for Sri Lankan cricket

The new association represents a fundamental restructuring of player representation in Sri Lankan cricket. The SLPCA is led by active current captains and leading players from both the men's and women's teams, placing women's cricket on an equal footing within the player union for the first time. This approach reflects contemporary models of player representation seen across international cricket and marks a departure from earlier structures that marginalised women's participation.

"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 added.

How the new structure differs from the past

Women's captain Chamari Athapaththu welcomed the establishment of the association, signalling support from the women's cricket leadership. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga also backed the initiative, indicating broader acceptance from the playing group. The SLPCA is positioned to work alongside Sri Lanka Cricket and the Transformation Committee on matters affecting professional players, with the association committed to constructive collaboration on player welfare and representation issues.

"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," Kusal, as SPCA president, said.

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Athapaththu, meanwhile, opined that the Players' Association will help in taking cricket in the Island Nation to greater heights.

"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," Athapaththu mentioned.