Sri Lanka Players’ Cricket Association Formed Under Leadership of Kusal Mendis
Professional cricket in Sri Lanka has entered a new phase of player governance with the official launch of the Sri Lanka Players’ Cricket Association (SLPCA) on August 8, 2026. Sri Lanka men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis has been named the inaugural president of the organisation, which establishes a formal representative body for active professional cricketers in the country.
What Happened
The SLPCA was established with direct affiliation to the World Cricketers’ Association. The formation marks a departure from historical models in Sri Lanka, where a previous cricketers’ association, operating intermittently since 2001, was largely run by retired players rather than active professionals. Sri Lanka had previously been among a small group of leading cricket nations, including India and Pakistan, lacking formal affiliation with the global player body.
The newly established association is led directly by current captains and senior players across both the men’s and women’s national setups, granting equal representation to women’s cricket. The initiative has received formal backing from key national figures, including women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.
Key Highlights
- Inaugural Leadership: Men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis assumes the role of SLPCA president.
- Global Affiliation: The SLPCA is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers’ Association.
- Equal Representation: Current men’s and women’s captains and players lead the body, ensuring equal standing for women’s cricket.
- Institutional Reform: The launch aligns with domestic structural and governance reforms managed by a temporary, government-appointed Transformation Committee.
Why This Matters
The establishment of the SLPCA provides active Sri Lankan cricketers with a structured, independent voice aligned with modern international practices. Historically, player advocacy in the country lacked direct ties to the international union and was led by former rather than current players. By placing active leaders from both the men’s and women’s squads at the forefront, the association establishes an equal platform for addressing player welfare and collaborating with Sri Lanka Cricket and reform bodies.
What to Watch Next
The SLPCA is set to work collaboratively with Sri Lanka Cricket and the government-appointed Transformation Committee on key matters impacting professional cricketers, including player welfare, domestic structures, and ongoing administrative reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Sri Lanka Players’ Cricket Association?
Sri Lanka’s men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis serves as the inaugural president of the association.
How does the SLPCA differ from previous player associations in Sri Lanka?
Unlike previous bodies that were dominated by retired cricketers, the SLPCA is run by active players and captains, represents both men’s and women’s cricketers equally, and is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers’ Association.
What is the role of the Transformation Committee?
The temporary government-appointed Transformation Committee is tasked with strengthening governance and modernising domestic cricket structures in Sri Lanka.
Source: CricTracker