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

A Fresh Chapter for Sri Lankan Cricket

The landscape of Sri Lankan cricket has seen a notable shift as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently unveiled its list of national contract recipients. Most prominently, the medium pacer Nuwan Thushara among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts, a move that signals a constructive turning point in his professional journey. Thushara’s inclusion follows his decision to withdraw the legal case he had previously filed against the board earlier in April, effectively mending a relationship that had become strained over eligibility criteria for franchise cricket.

Resolving the Dispute

The conflict had centered on Thushara’s objection to a mandatory fitness test required by the board before issuing a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for his participation in overseas franchise leagues. However, the political landscape within the board underwent a drastic change when the previous board members were removed by the Sri Lankan government. With a new administration in place, Thushara chose to drop the litigation and formally notified the Transformation Committee of his availability for national selection, a gesture that the board has now embraced.

Broadening the Talent Pool

Beyond the high-profile return of Thushara, the list of 46 players reflects a strategic effort to integrate emerging talent into the national setup. The contracts feature several newcomers who have impressed in the domestic circuit. Among these fresh faces are the Jaffna legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, the unique ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, and rising batters Kamil Mishara and Lasith Croospulle. Additionally, all-rounders Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, and Dilum Sudeera have earned their spots, highlighting the board’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

While the list includes many prominent names, it also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of national selection. Notably, batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa did not receive a contract, despite his participation in domestic matches earlier this year.

Structure of the New Contracts

The substantial roster of 46 players spans various disciplines and formats, ensuring depth across the national team. The list features seasoned veterans such as Dinesh Chandimal and Kasun Rajitha, who remain cornerstones of the Test side, alongside limited-overs specialists like the effective Binura Fernando. The board has opted to categorize these players into six distinct tiers; however, specific details regarding which individuals occupy which salary grades have not been disclosed at this time.

The duration for these newly awarded contracts is set from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, providing a stable window for the players to focus on their performance and contribute to the national cause.

Full List of Contracted Players

The complete roster of men’s national contracted players includes:

• 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

This comprehensive list underscores the depth of the current pool and sets a clear path forward for the Sri Lankan squad as they prepare for a demanding international calendar. Fans and stakeholders alike will be looking to see how these players, now under official contract, perform on the global stage.