Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officially announced the national player’s central contracts for the highly anticipated 2026-27 campaign. Keeping a calculated balance between seasoned international icons and rising local talent, it has signed a comprehensive pool of 46 cricketers. Covering the active period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the list represents 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 announces new central contracts for the 2026-27 season
In an official media release, the SLC confirmed that the selected 46 players have been structured into different categories namely A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 grades. According to the Board, these ranks are evaluated based on strict matrices including past international performance, consistency, current fitness standards, future potential and tactical requirements for upcoming tournament cycles. However, in keeping with recent administrative policy, the SLC chose not to release individual player rankings, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on who earned the coveted top slots.
The main point of this period is the injection of new blood into the national structure. Seven players won a central contract for the first time. Includes new inductees Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundera, Wanuja Sahan, Dilum Sudeeraand Tharindu Rathnayake.
Welcoming the new talent, SLC expressed its vision for the future:
“The awarding of these contracts reflects SLC’s continued commitment to reward performance, nurture emerging talent and maintain a strong player pool capable of representing Sri Lanka in international formats of the game..”
The full list features heavyweight anchors such as Test veterans Dinesh Chandimalspin maestro Wanindu Hasarangaand explosive weapons such as Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalankaand accelerator Matheesha Pathirana.
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Nuwan Thuhara wins central contract despite IPL legal dispute with SLC
The most dramatic story of this ad revolves around the skinny-armed fast bowler Nuvan Thushara. His entry marks a surprising turnaround after a highly publicized legal standoff with the council just two months ago. In April 2026, Thuhara dragged the SLC to the Colombo District Court after being denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to represent. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the year Indian Premier League (IPL).
The board had initially withheld permission after Thoughara failed to meet the required criteria in the 2-kilometer fitness sprint test. Thuhara contested the decision, claiming that he had already expressed his intention to opt out of the central contract and walk away from international cricket to pursue franchise opportunities. He argued that as an uncontracted player, he should not be subject to mandatory national fitness evaluations for foreign leagues.
However, as the IPL season progressed, Thuhara officially retracted his claim and extended a formal apology to the board. Following the change in the administrative framework of the Board, Thuhara informed the SLC’s Transformation Committee of his availability for national duties and accepted his request. His inclusion in the 2026-27 central contracts confirms that both sides have completely mended fences, effectively putting their international retirement plans on ice and securing an important bowling weapon for Sri Lanka’s upcoming calendar.
List of Sri Lanka central contracted players for the 2026–27 season
Dhananjaya de Silva Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thuhara, Sonal Dinusha, Sahan Arachchige, Pramod Madushan, Lasith Croospulle, Lasith Croospulle, Nuwaja Feruatha, Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundara, Nishan Madushka, Akila Dananjaya, Chamika Karunaratne, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Mohammed Shiraz, Wanuja Sahan, Dilum Sudeera and Tharindu Ratnayake
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