Sri Lanka Cricket today handed over annual domestic contracts for 104 players, a move to encourage talented cricketers to continue playing the game thus ensuring that the domestic cricketing structure remains strong.
Accordingly, players who took part in the Major Tournament 2016/2017 and the Under 19 players, who represented Sri Lanka in the concluded Asia Cup and the World Cup were handed over contracts, during a special ceremony, held at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports, with the Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekera, taking part as the Chief Guest, while Thilanga Sumathipala, President of SLC was present during the occasion.
20 first class players who performed at the highest level during the concluded domestic season, 23 emerging category players, 29 players from the under 19 age group category, 15 former national players and 17 national players, who have represented Sri Lanka in the recent past, but not considered for main contracts are among the players, who received domestic contracts for the year 2017/2018 season.
The selection of players to hand over contracts, which totals to a collective sum of Rs. 85 million was based on the following criteria.
Players, who scored 750 runs or captured 45 wickets, All-Rounders who scored 350 runs and captured 35 wickets, Wicket Keepers, who scored 400 runs and contributed for a minimum of 20 dismissals by playing in the Domestic Tier A matches were considered for annual contracts.
Meanwhile, players, who played in the Tier B Category and scored 600 runs or took 40 wickets, or All-Rounders who scored 350 runs and grabbed 35 wickets and Wicket Keepers, who scored 400 runs and contributed for 20 dismissals were also considered for annual contracts.
Under the Emerging Player Category, players between the age of 23 and 29 and represented Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka A and Development team during the last 3 year period received domestic contracts.
Under 19 players, who represented Sri Lanka in the concluded Asia Cup and the World Cup are also given contracts.
Past national players, above the age of 30 years and who continues to play domestic Cricket were also handed over contracts.
Sinhalese Sports Club, which became the Champions of the 2016/2017 ‘Tier A’ Tournament was awarded a Passenger Van worth Rs. 6.8 million, while Chaturanga De Silva, who was adjudged as the Player of the League Tournament was awarded a car worth Rs. 2.3 million.
Apart from the SLC contracts, all these players are entitled to normal financial assistance given by their respective clubs. In the meantime, SLC also provided the contracted players with a Rs. 2.5 million worth personal accidental insurance cover and a Rs. 300,000 worth medical and hospitalization insurance cover.
