Over 80 domestic cricketers presented with central contracts

Cricketers posing for a group photograph with Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala and other officials of SLC at the Sports Ministry auditorium on 03 November 2016 in Colombo.

By Madushka Balasuriya

The official contract awarding ceremony for 85 cricketers, across the youth, emerging and senior categories, on Sri Lanka Cricket’s domestic central contract scheme was held on Thursday evening at the Sports Ministry Auditorium in Colombo.

The contracts, which are separate from the contracts signed by national players, will cover the six-month period from 1 November this year to 30 April 2017, and will see players in the youth, emerging and senior categories receive Rs. 40,000, Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 100,000 each month respectively.

At present there are an estimated 30,000 cricketers, out of which 24,000 are schoolboys and a further 4000 from the club circuit, playing cricket in Sri Lanka every year. SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala explained that it was important that the best talent in the country was rewarded even if they didn’t get the chance to represent Sri Lanka at the highest level.

“Our focus has always been on the cricketer. So we started from the youth and provided them with security, and a secure platform from which they could grow. Meanwhile cricketers between the ages of 21-29 and even cricketers above the age of 30 who represented Sri Lanka for even one day, we saw that they didn’t have contracts. So this is why we offered them contracts.”

Apart from the players in the three categories, 16 of the most talented schoolboy cricketers were also presented with a Rs. 200,000 financial grant.

Speaking on their behalf, Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Charith Asalanka said: “This is going to be a big help for young cricketers. As young players we have a lot of weaknesses that need to be addressed. When it comes to cricket, expenses are usually more than certain other sports, especially for rural players. In order for us to improve ourselves and play for Sri Lanka this is a massive help.”

All the players being remunerated have been selected by a special committee based on their performances over the last calendar year, as well as their age and performances for the national side.

“Several players have left Sri Lanka in the past to go in domestic leagues in England and Australia. With these financial incentives we hope to keep some of the best talent in the country,” noted Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera, as he commended SLC for its efforts in providing financial stability to both youth and older cricketers alike.

Pix by Gitika Talukdar