Nuwan Thushara among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts
A Fresh Start for Sri Lankan Cricket
The landscape of Sri Lankan cricket has seen a notable shift as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced its list of centrally contracted players for the upcoming 2026-2027 period. Among the most discussed names on this extensive list is medium pacer Nuwan Thushara, who is officially among 46 men’s cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts. This announcement comes on the heels of a resolution regarding a legal dispute that had previously clouded the bowler’s relationship with the governing body.
Resolving Past Tensions
Earlier this year, Thushara had taken legal action against the board, specifically contesting the mandate that required a fitness test before the issuance of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for franchise cricket commitments. However, the political landscape within the board underwent a dramatic transformation when the previous administrative members were removed en-masse by the government. Recognizing this change, Thushara opted to withdraw his case. Following a formal letter to the new administration expressing his renewed availability for national selection, the Transformation Committee accepted his reinstatement, paving the way for his inclusion in the current contract cycle.
New Faces and Strategic Selections
The list of 46 players represents a comprehensive approach to securing talent across various formats. Beyond the headlines surrounding Thushara, several emerging talents have earned their first-ever national contracts. These include Jaffna leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, known for his clever variations, and ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake. The batting ranks have been bolstered by the inclusion of Kamil Mishara and Lasith Croospulle, while all-rounders Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, and Dilum Sudeera have also received recognition for their consistent performances.
Conversely, the absence of some established names serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of these contracts. Notably, batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa was not awarded a contract, despite having participated in domestic cricket earlier this year. This highlights the board’s emphasis on specific performance metrics and long-term planning for the squad.
The Structure of the 2026-2027 Contract Cycle
The contract period officially commences on April 1, 2026, and is set to run through March 31, 2027. While SLC has confirmed that the 46 players have been categorized into six distinct tiers, the board has opted not to disclose the specific grading of each individual athlete at this time. This structure is designed to manage workloads and performance expectations across a diverse group that includes Test specialists like Dinesh Chandimal and Kasun Rajitha, alongside limited-overs exponents such as Binura Fernando.
Full List of Contracted Players
The national roster features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s global standing in the sport:
- 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 team looks forward to the upcoming season, the inclusion of these 46 players signals a period of consolidation. By settling administrative disputes and integrating new talent, Sri Lanka Cricket aims to build a robust pipeline of players capable of delivering consistent success on the international stage.
