Sri Lanka’s professional cricketers have come together to establish the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA), a new representative body aimed at protecting the interests of players and providing them with a collective voice on matters affecting their careers.

Sri Lanka men’s white-ball captain Kusal Mendis has been appointed the inaugural President of the association.

The formation of the SLPCA comes at an important time for Sri Lankan cricket, with the game undergoing a period of structural and administrative change. The association is expected to provide a platform through which active professional cricketers can collectively engage with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee and other stakeholders.

“We’re proud to have established SLPCA 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,” Mendis said.

Sri Lanka women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu also welcomed the establishment of the association, describing it as another important step forward for the country’s 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 said.

National players Binura Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga have also backed the initiative, highlighting the importance of having a collective voice for professional cricketers.

The SLPCA said players’ associations operate independently to represent players collectively, protect their interests, support their wellbeing and development, and ensure that cricketers have a voice in decisions that affect their careers.

The new association is also reported to be linked to the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), the global body representing professional cricketers.

The WCA currently has more than 750 current international players from 17 of the world’s top 19 cricket countries participating in its programmes. Sri Lankan players joining the network will bring them into a global system of player representation alongside cricketers from countries including Australia, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Uganda, the West Indies, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Namibia and Italy.

The establishment of the SLPCA marks a significant development in Sri Lankan cricket, particularly as players increasingly seek a stronger role in discussions surrounding their welfare, professional development and the future direction of the game.

With Mendis at the helm and support from leading male and female national players, the association is expected to become an important stakeholder in Sri Lanka’s cricketing landscape.