Nuwan Thushara among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts
A New Chapter for Sri Lankan Cricket
In a move that signals a fresh start for both the athlete and the administration, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced that Nuwan Thushara among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts. This decision follows the pacer’s recent move to withdraw the legal case he had filed against the board earlier in April, effectively clearing the path for his return to the national setup.
Resolution of the Legal Dispute
The inclusion of Thushara in the central contracts list marks a definitive reset in his relationship with the board. Previously, the pacer had been involved in a contentious standoff regarding the board’s insistence on mandatory fitness tests before issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas franchise leagues. However, following the mass removal of the previous board members by the Sri Lankan government, the landscape of SLC’s administration shifted dramatically. Recognizing the new environment, Thushara opted to drop his legal challenges and proactively reached out to the new Transformation Committee, confirming his availability and eagerness to represent the national team.
The Contractual Landscape
The new list of 46 contracted players, covering the period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, showcases a broad spectrum of talent. While SLC confirmed that the athletes have been sorted into six distinct grading categories, specific details regarding the individual financial tiers have remained private. The extensive roster ensures that Sri Lanka maintains a deep pool of talent across all three formats, balancing experienced campaigners with exciting emerging prospects.
New Faces and Notable Absences
The contract list features several fresh faces who have earned their spots through consistent performances in the domestic circuit. Among those receiving their maiden contracts are Jaffna legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, the ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, and batters Kamil Mishara and Lasith Croospulle. Allrounders Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, and Dilum Sudeera have also been rewarded with their first national deals. Conversely, there were some exclusions that caught the attention of observers, most notably Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who did not secure a contract despite active participation in domestic cricket earlier this year.
A Balanced Selection Strategy
The list reflects a strategic approach by the selectors to ensure coverage for both Test and limited-overs cricket. Stalwarts such as Dinesh Chandimal and Kasun Rajitha remain central to the Test plans, while white-ball specialists like the energetic Binura Fernando continue to hold their positions within the system. The complete list of 46 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, and Tharindu Rathnayake.
Looking Ahead
With the administrative hurdles now cleared and the contract cycle established through March 2027, the focus for the national team shifts entirely to the field. The re-integration of players like Thushara provides the selectors with additional depth, particularly in the fast-bowling department, which will be vital for the upcoming international fixtures. As the Transformation Committee continues to implement its vision, the stability provided by these contracts is expected to boost morale and foster a more competitive environment for Sri Lankan cricket on the global stage.
