Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a significant pay hike for its international cricketers in a bid to boost the country’s performance ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The move aims to incentivize players and sustain the red-ball format of the game amidst the growing popularity of white-ball cricket.
The pay hike applies to all categories of players, with the biggest increase being awarded to Test cricketers. The match fee for a Test match has been increased by 100% on a merit basis, with players receiving $15,000 for a win, $12,500 for a draw, and $10,000 for a loss.
SLC CEO Ashley de Silva emphasized the importance of safeguarding the legacy of Test cricket, stating that the pay hike is a testament to the board’s commitment to the format.
The match fee for ODIs and T20Is has also been increased by 25%, from $3000 to $4000. Additionally, SLC has introduced a one-time payment for players who achieve top rankings in the ICC Player Rankings.
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.
The pay hike is expected to boost the morale of the Sri Lankan cricket team and provide them with the necessary motivation to perform well in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and other international tournaments.
