Nuwan Thushara among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts

A New Chapter for Sri Lankan Cricket

The landscape of Sri Lankan cricket has seen a notable shift as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced its list of national player contracts. Most notably, medium pacer Nuwan Thushara among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts, a move that signals a renewed relationship between the athlete and the governing body. This decision follows Thushara’s formal withdrawal of the legal case he had initiated against the board back in April.

The Path to Reconciliation

The inclusion of Thushara in the national contract roster is particularly significant given the history of friction between the player and SLC. Previously, the bowler had challenged the board’s policy that mandated fitness tests as a prerequisite for issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in overseas franchise leagues. However, following the mass ousting of the board members involved in the dispute by the Sri Lankan government, the administrative environment changed drastically.

Recognizing the shift in leadership, Thushara made the proactive decision to withdraw his litigation. He communicated his renewed eligibility and commitment to national selection to the new administration. The newly formed Transformation Committee at SLC has formally accepted this offer, paving the way for his return to the national setup.

New Talent and Strategic Planning

Beyond the headline-grabbing resolution regarding Thushara, the contract list for the period between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, highlights a blend of established veterans and emerging talent. The list of 46 players reflects the board’s efforts to deepen the talent pool.

Several players have earned their first-time contracts, showcasing the depth of domestic talent currently under the scanner. Among these newcomers are the talented Jaffna legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, the versatile ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, and batsmen Kamil Mishara and Lasith Croospulle. Additionally, all-rounders Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, and Dilum Sudeera have also secured their spots in this substantial roster.

Conversely, the list also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of selection, as some notable names were excluded. For instance, batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa did not receive a contract, despite having participated in domestic cricket earlier this year.

Structure of the Contracts

SLC has opted to classify the 46 players into six distinct categories. While the board has confirmed this tiered approach, they have chosen not to disclose the specific grading of each individual player, maintaining a level of internal confidentiality regarding the financial and performance-based tiers.

The roster features a wide array of specialists, from seasoned Test stalwarts like Dinesh Chandimal and Kasun Rajitha to limited-overs specialists such as Binura Fernando. This comprehensive list is designed to ensure that the national team remains well-stocked across all three formats of the game.

The Full List of Contracted Players

The following athletes have been selected for national contracts:

• Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga
• Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera
• Asitha Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Janith Liyanage
• Dunith Wellalage, Niroshan Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya
• Vishwa Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pavan Rathnayake
• Eshan Malinga, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha
• Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Kamil Mishara
• Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Sonal Dinusha, Sahan Arachchige
• Pramod Madushan, Lasith Croospulle, Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando
• Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundara, Nishan Madushka, Akila Dananjaya
• Chamika Karunaratne, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Mohammed Shiraz, Wanuja Sahan
• Dilum Sudeera, Tharindu Rathnayake

With these contracts now formalized, the focus shifts to the upcoming international season. The stability provided by these agreements will be crucial as the national team looks to build on its foundations and prepare for the challenges of the 2026-2027 cricketing calendar.