Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced its national player central contracts for the much-awaited 2026-27 campaign. The apex body has offered contracts to a comprehensive pool of 46 cricketers, striking a calculated balance between experienced international icons and emerging domestic talent. Covering the active cycle from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, this roster reflects the board’s strategic roadmap across all formats as Sri Lanka aims to re-establish itself as a dominant force in world cricket.
Sri Lanka Cricket reveals new central contracts for the 2026-27 season
In an official media release, SLC confirmed that the selected 46 players have been structured under different categories, namely A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 grades. According to the board, these tiers were evaluated based on stringent metrics including past international performance, consistency, modern fitness standards, future potential and strategic requirements for upcoming tournament cycles. However, in keeping with recent administrative policy, the SLC decided not to publicize the players’ individual gradings, leaving fans and analysts to speculate as to who secured the coveted top tier slots.
A major attraction of this cycle is the infusion of fresh blood into the national system. Seven players have earned central contracts for the first time. New entrants include Kamil Mishara, Lasith Kruspule, Vijayakanth Viakanth, Isitha Wijesundera, Vanujaa Sahan, Dilam SudiraAnd Tharindu Rathnayake.
Welcoming new talent, SLC expressed its vision for the future:
“The awarding of these contracts reflects SLC’s continued commitment to rewarding performance, nurturing emerging talent and maintaining a strong pool of players capable of representing Sri Lanka in international formats of the game.“
The entire list retains veteran anchors like Test veteran Dinesh Chandimalspin maestro Wanindu Hasarangaand explosive weapons such as Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalankaand speedster Mathisha Pathirana.
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Nuwan Thushara earns central contract despite IPL legal dispute with SLC
The most dramatic story from this announcement focuses on the lanky-armed fast bowler Nuwan Thushara. His joining marks a surprising turnaround after a highly publicized legal standoff with the board just two months ago. In April 2026, Thushara dragged SLC to the Colombo District Court after being denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to represent him. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) In Indian Premier League (IPL).
The board had originally withheld approval on the grounds that Thushara failed to meet the required standards in the timed 2-kilometre fitness sprint test. Thushara protested the decision, arguing that he had already stated his intention to decline a central contract and step away from international cricket to pursue franchise opportunities. He claimed that as a non-contracted player, he should not be subject to the mandatory national fitness assessment for outside leagues.
However, as the IPL season progressed, Thushara formally withdrew his lawsuit and issued an official apology to the board. Following changes in the administrative structure of the board, Thushara informed the SLC’s transition committee about his availability for national duties, which accepted his request. His inclusion in central contracts for 2026-27 confirms that the two sides have fully resolved the differences, effectively putting his international retirement plans on hold and securing a vital bowling weapon for Sri Lanka in the upcoming calendar.
List of centrally contracted players of Sri Lanka for the 2026–27 season
Kusal Mendis, Dhananjay de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Mahesh Theekshana, Zenith Liyange, Dunith Velalage, Niroshan Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay, Prabhat Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Mathisha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Ishan Malinga, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Avishka Fernando, Sadira Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Sonal Dinusha, Sahan Arachige, Pramod Madushan, Lasith Kruspule, Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Vijayakanth Viakanth, Isitha Wijesundara, Nishan Madushka, Akila Dhananjay, Chamika Karunaratne, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Mohammed Shiraz, Vanujaa Sahan, Dilum Sudira and Tharindu Ratnayake.
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