Sri Lankan cricket hit by pay crisis

Sri Lanka's team selection was thrown into chaos yesterday after all its international cricketers refused new contracts and demanded higher pay and perks before the upcoming Bangladesh series

Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive officer Ajith Jayasekera said a Saturday deadline passed with 23 international players failing to sign new contracts. The First Test starts on March 8 at Galle even as players insists they need a 25 percent share of all payments made by ICC as guarantee money for tournaments besides a business class ticket for a spouse to travel on tour.

Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage

SL sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said: “I’ve told them (SLC) to pick a new team for the Bangladesh tour if the seniors refuse.” He said senior players earn Rs four million ($32,000) a month, or about 400 times the salary of a graduate entering government employment.

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