Sri Lanka Cricket announced a pay increase for all players, with the biggest boost going to Test cricket in an effort to strengthen the national team.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a significant pay increase for its national cricketers on Friday, aiming to boost the team’s performance in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The new contracts will see a rise in fees “for all categories of Sri Lanka’s international players,” effective immediately. 41 players will be offered contracts under six classifications: A1, A2, B2, C1, C2, and “A” Team.
Interestingly, the biggest pay hike applies to Test cricket, with a 100% increase based on performance. The match fee for winning a test match will jump from $7,500 to a maximum of $15,000. Draws will see a 66% increase to $12,500, while losses will result in a 33% increase to $10,000.
SLC CEO Ashley de Silva explained that this decision aims to prioritise the test format amidst the growing popularity of shorter formats like T20s. He called the pay hike a “testament to Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the legacy” of Test cricket.
While Test cricket received the most significant boost, ODI and T20I match fees will also increase by 25% to $4,000. Additionally, the SLC will reward players who achieve top rankings in the ICC Player Rankings. These one-time payments will be given to the “Best Batter, Best Bowler, or Best All-Rounder” across all formats. Players reaching the 2nd to 10th rank in these categories will also be recognised with a one-time payment.
The SLC has also increased daily allowances and “per diems” for all contracted players during national team tours, providing additional financial support.
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The 41 contracted players include Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Nishan Madushka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Janith Perera.
Vishwa Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Nuwan Thushara, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dushan, Hemantha, Lasith Embuldeniya, Binura Fernando, Shevon Daniel, Niroshan Dickwella, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando and Avishka Fernando, are also among the 41 players.
Last Updated on May 11, 2024
