The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has formally welcomed the establishment of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association, describing it as a landmark step that will deepen player representation and advance the professionalisation of cricket in Sri Lanka. The new body was officially launched on Saturday, 10 August, with white-ball captain Kusal Mendis named its inaugural president.

Formation and Timing

The association has been set up at a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan cricket, with the sport in the country currently undergoing a reform process overseen by a government-appointed committee. The WCA noted that the association's formation reflects the positive momentum building within Sri Lankan cricket, driven in part by Sri Lanka Cricket's Transformation Committee, which has been working to modernise and strengthen the domestic game.

Women's team captain Chamari Athapaththu has also publicly backed the new body. A key aim of the association is to give players a stronger collective voice — particularly in negotiations with the cricket board over permission to participate in franchise cricket leagues.

What the WCA Said

Tom Moffat, Chief Executive of the WCA, congratulated Sri Lankan players on the development and underscored the importance of unified player representation. 'A strong game and strong player representation go hand in hand. Cricket thrives when players have a genuine voice in its future, and by coming together with a unified voice, the Sri Lankan players have demonstrated a deep commitment to the long-term health, integrity and professional progression of the game,' Moffat said.

He added: 'Sri Lanka has always been one of cricket's great nations. The formation of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association is another positive step in the continued evolution of the game there, and one that reflects the direction modern professional sport has taken around the world.'

The WCA further stated that domestic players' associations are critical to ensuring cricketers are consulted, supported, and represented as the sport evolves globally. 'They provide a collective voice for players and contribute to stronger leadership, better decision-making and a more sustainable game,' the body said in a statement.

Global Context and WCA Membership

The Sri Lankan association's launch follows the recent establishment of the US Cricketers' Association, bringing the number of top cricketing nations affiliated to the WCA to 17 out of the top 19. Notably, India and Pakistan remain the only two major cricketing nations without a WCA-affiliated players' body — a gap that has drawn attention given both countries' outsized influence on the global game.

The WCA said the new association aligns with global best practice already established across most leading cricket nations and other professional sports. The body's formation is widely seen as part of a broader international trend toward formalised player representation structures.

What This Means for Sri Lankan Cricket

For Sri Lankan players, the association represents a formal channel to engage with administrators on issues ranging from contracts and welfare to participation in overseas franchise competitions. As T20 leagues proliferate globally, access to those markets has become a central concern for players from associate and Test nations alike.

With the reform process at Sri Lanka Cricket still ongoing, the new association is expected to play an active role in shaping the governance landscape. How effectively it can engage with the board — and whether it secures meaningful concessions on franchise participation — will be the early test of its influence.