August 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka limited-overs captain Kusal Mendis has taken on a new leadership role off the field after being elected the inaugural President of the newly formed Sri Lanka Professional Cricketers’ Association (SLPCA).
Mendis was chosen to head the organisation at its first general meeting, marking the formal beginning of an initiative aimed at giving the country’s professional cricketers a stronger collective voice.
The inaugural gathering brought together a number of prominent figures from Sri Lankan cricket, including national stars Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamari Athapaththu.
The SLPCA has been established to represent the interests of professional cricketers on matters ranging from player welfare and working conditions to career development and other professional concerns. The association is expected to provide a platform through which players can collectively raise issues affecting their careers and seek greater representation within the sport.
As part of its plans to strengthen its international standing, the SLPCA is also expected to become affiliated with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), the worldwide organisation representing professional cricketers.
The creation of the new body represents a significant development in Sri Lankan cricket, bringing the country closer to the player-representation structures already established in major cricketing nations such as Australia, England and New Zealand.