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) officially announced its list of centrally contracted players for the upcoming season. Among the most discussed names in this announcement is medium pacer Nuwan Thushara. His inclusion marks a pivotal moment for his career, effectively resetting his relationship with the national board.
Resolving Past Tensions
Nuwan Thushara among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts, a result that follows his decision to withdraw the legal case he had previously filed against the board in April. The friction between the player and the administration stemmed from a requirement involving fitness tests for players seeking No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in overseas franchise leagues. Thushara had taken a firm stance against this policy, leading to a period of instability in his professional association with SLC.
The situation changed following a major administrative overhaul in the country, where several board members were ousted by the government. With the leadership vacuum filled by a new Transformation Committee, Thushara made the proactive decision to drop his lawsuit. He communicated his renewed commitment to being available for national selection, a gesture that the board has formally accepted by including him in the new list of contracted players.
Fresh Faces and Notable Omissions
The list of 46 players is comprehensive and highlights the depth of talent currently available to the selectors. Among those receiving contracts for the first time are several promising prospects, including Jaffna legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, and batters Kamil Mishara and Lasith Croospulle. The inclusion of allrounders such as Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, and Dilum Sudeera further signals the board’s intent to invest in young, versatile players who can bolster the squad across different formats.
However, the list also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of professional sports. Batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, despite participating in domestic cricket earlier this year, was notably absent from the final contract list. This reflects the intense competition for places within the national setup.
Contract Structure and Details
SLC has categorized the 46 players into six distinct tiers, although the board has opted not to disclose the specific grading of each individual athlete at this stage. These contracts are scheduled to remain in effect for a full year, running from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
The composition of the list is a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars. Stalwarts like Dinesh Chandimal and Kasun Rajitha, who are primarily identified for their contributions to the Test arena, sit alongside limited-overs specialists like Binura Fernando. This balance is crucial as Sri Lanka looks to navigate a demanding international calendar.
The Full List of Contracted Players
The complete roster of the 46 men’s cricketers awarded contracts is as follows:
- 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
As the new contract cycle begins, all eyes will be on how these players perform on the international stage. With the internal disputes largely addressed, the focus for the board and the players remains firmly on the field, aiming for consistency and success in the upcoming fixtures.
