Kusal Mendis Named First Sri Lanka Players’ Association President
Sri Lanka’s men’s white-ball captain, Kusal Mendis, has been named the new organization’s first president. The Sri Lanka Players’ Cricket Association (SLPCA) was officially launched on August 8, 2026, providing a formal voice for the country’s professional players.
The SLPCA is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers’ Association, indicating a fundamental shift in how player representation works in Sri Lankan cricket.
The formation of the SLPCA coincides with continuing modernising initiatives in Sri Lankan cricket. Sri Lanka Cricket is being transformed under the leadership of a temporary government-appointed Transformation Committee, which is focusing on improving governance and internal systems.
Sri Lanka has historically been one of just a few important cricket boards, along with India’s BCCI and Pakistan’s PCB, that does not have formal World Cricketers’ Association accreditation. A prior Sri Lanka Cricketers’ Association existed irregularly since 2001, but it was traditionally 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 is important for Sri Lankan cricket
The new association marks a significant shift in player participation in Sri Lankan cricket. The SLPCA is led by active current captains and top players from both men’s and women’s teams, putting women’s cricket on an equal footing inside the player union for the first time. This method follows current patterns of player representation in international cricket and is a break from previous frameworks that marginalised women’s participation.
How does the new structure vary from the past?
Women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu hailed the association’s formation, indicating support from the women’s cricket leadership. Wanindu Hasaranga, an all-rounder, also supported the plan, indicating a wider acceptance among the players. The SLPCA is well-positioned to collaborate with Sri Lanka Cricket and the Transformation Committee on issues impacting professional players, with the association committed to constructive cooperation on player welfare and representation.
Meanwhile, Athapaththu believes that the Players’ Association will contribute to the growth of cricket in the Island Nation.
