SLC sets aside Rs. 85 m for domestic contracts

Sri Lanka Cricket has set aside Rs. 85 million to secure 104 players to domestic contracts, SLC announced yesterday, a move they said was aimed at retaining the best young and upcoming talent within the domestic system and thus improving competitiveness going forward.

Among those awarded contacts were the Under-19 Asia Cup and World Cup squads, those who participated in the Major Tournament 2016/2017, 20 first class players “who performed at the highest level during the concluded domestic season,” 23 emerging category players, 29 players from the under 19 age group category and 15 former national players.  17 national players, who had represented Sri Lanka in the recent past but had not been considered for main contracts were also awarded domestic contracts for the 2017/2018 season.

As per an SLC media release, the players who received the contracts were selected on the following criteria:

In Tier A matches – players who scored 750 runs or captured 45 wickets, all-rounders who scored 350 runs and captured 35 wickets and wicket keepers who scored 400 runs and contributed to a minimum of 20 dismissals – were considered for annual contracts. Meanwhile, players who played in Tier B who scored 600 runs or took 40 wickets, all-rounders who scored 350 runs and grabbed 35 wickets and wicket keepers who scored 400 runs and contributed to 20 dismissals were also considered.

Under the Emerging Player category, players between the age of 23 and 29 who had represented either Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka A or the Development team during the last 3 years received domestic contracts.

Past national players, above the age of 30, who continue to play domestic cricket were also handed contracts. 

Meanwhile, the Sinhalese Sports Club, which became the champions of the 2016/2017 ‘Tier A’ Tournament was awarded a passenger van worth Rs. 6.8 million, while Chaturanga De Silva, who was adjudged as the Player of the League Tournament was awarded a car worth Rs. 2.3 million.

Apart from the SLC contracts, all these players are entitled to normal financial assistance given by their respective clubs. In the meantime, SLC also offered contracted players Rs. 2.5 million worth of personal accidental insurance cover and a Rs. 300,000 medical and hospitalisation insurance coverage.