Sri Lanka award central contracts

Sri Lanka Cricket has awarded central contracts to 11 players for the coming year. The contracts were signed by the players on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies.

The previous contracts had expired on February 28, but the troubles within the cricket board, as well as some player concerns over certain restrictive clauses relating to the exploitation of player image rights, had delayed their renewal.

However, after several weeks of amicable negotiations between the players' legal representative and the new government-appointed interim committee, the troublesome clauses were amended to the satisfaction of the players.

The successful completion of the contracts ensures that Sri Lanka will not suffer a West Indies-style player contracts dispute during the coming year. The new contracts have been back-dated and will run until February 28, 2006.

The interim committee had earlier indicated a desire to expand the number of central contracts to around 20, but for the time being only 11 have been awarded, the notable absentees being Nuwan Zoysa, Dilhara Fernando and Nuwan Kulasekera. However according to officials, the board may increase the contracted pool at a later date.

Contracted players
Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga, Upul Chandana