A dramatic shift in Sri Lanka Cricket’s financial policy now directly ties player earnings to performance, rewarding victories while penalizing defeats in a high-stakes move aimed at boosting accountability and results.
Sri Lanka Cricket has introduced a striking new performance-based payment system where national players will receive bonuses for match victories while facing salary deductions for losses. This bold financial restructuring signals a major shift in how player contracts and accountability are managed within Sri Lankan cricket.
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva confirmed that the new incentive and penalty framework has been incorporated into the latest contract agreements signed with national cricketers. He made these remarks during a media briefing held at Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters, where officials outlined the organization’s future direction and strategic reforms.
According to de Silva, this performance-linked pay structure is not limited to players alone but will also apply to coaching staff, reinforcing a results-driven culture across all levels of the team setup. The aim is to create a system where both players and coaches are financially motivated to deliver consistent performances on the field.
He further explained that while the High Performance Centre is responsible for setting key performance indicators for players, the financial incentives and penalties fall under the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket. Under the new contract model, players will benefit financially from wins while also experiencing the consequences of underperformance in defeats, ensuring a direct link between results and rewards.
National team head coach Gary Kirsten, who attended the media briefing, expressed satisfaction with the facilities and infrastructure provided to players, noting that Sri Lanka Cricket’s setup is ahead of what he experienced in South Africa. His remarks highlighted the strong foundation available for rebuilding and strengthening the national team.
Kirsten also shared insights from his initial days in Sri Lanka, stating that he has begun assessing the team and understanding the cultural dynamics that influence player motivation and performance. He emphasized the importance of learning the environment and building a deeper connection with the squad as part of his long-term strategy.
The newly appointed coach stressed that understanding Sri Lanka’s cricket identity is essential as the team prepares for upcoming international tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup. His focus remains on identifying players capable of performing across multiple formats and building a balanced, competitive squad.
The 58-year-old former South African opening batsman officially began his two-year coaching tenure last week and addressed the media for the first time in Sri Lanka. His experience includes leading India to a World Cup victory between 2008 and 2011, followed by a successful stint with South Africa from 2011 to 2013.
Kirsten also reassured that language barriers will not hinder communication, as he is working with interpreters to ensure clarity within the team. However, he pointed out that English must function effectively as a common language in international cricket to maintain smooth interaction and coordination.
He concluded by stating that the ultimate goal is to see Sri Lanka perform strongly across all formats of the game. With several major tournaments approaching, including the World Cup, his priority is to develop a talented group of players through structured training and strategic planning, enabling them to compete successfully against the world’s best cricket teams.
