Sri Lanka cricketers sign new contracts, Angelo Matthews excluded

The ongoing tussle related to the contract between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and its players seem to have ended with 18 cricketers apparently signing the contracts till the end of 2021. The development was confirmed in a media release by SLC.

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“The players signed the contracts without any deviation from the contracts offered previously, which was formulated by Sri Lanka Cricket along with the Technical Advisory Committee."

“The players were chosen under four categories and were nominated by the Selection Panel, based on a set of criteria such as Performance, Fitness, Leadership/Seniority, Professionalism/Code of Conduct, and Future/Adaptability."

The SLC spokesperson further stated that the criteria and the allocation of points were discussed beforehand with players so that there won’t be any further problems.

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“The criteria and the allocation of points to individual players were shared among the players before they signed the contracts," it added.

Meanwhile, veteran all rounder Angelo Matthews was not offered a contract. Apart from him, the three Lankan players, who breached the bio-bubble in England, are also not part of the 18 centrally contracted players owing to the bans.

 “Angelo Mathews, who was among the players offered a contract was not considered, as he is currently unavailable for selection, whilst Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella, and Kusal Mendis are currently serving a ban. Isuru Udana has retired from international cricket," SLC said.

Earlier, the SLC had said they will only offer tour contracts to the players for this year as punishment for their behaviour over the new contracts. However, they seem to have gone a little soft after Sri Lanka's series win over India.

List of players who have signed the contracts: Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Embuldeniya, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh Chandimal, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Lahiru Kumara, Ashen Bandara, Akila Dananjaya