COLOMBO, Aug 10 (Reuters) - The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) said the formation of a players' body in Sri Lanka was a landmark development for the professionalism and growth of the game in the country.
The Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association was officially launched on Saturday, with white-ball captain Kusal Mendis named its inaugural president.
Its creation comes as Sri Lanka Cricket undergoes a reform process led by a government-appointed committee.
"A strong game and strong player representation go hand in hand," WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat said in a statement on Monday.
"Cricket thrives when players have a genuine voice in its future, and by coming together with a unified voice, the Sri Lankan players have demonstrated a deep commitment to the long-term health, integrity and professional progression of the game."
Women's team captain Chamari Athapaththu has also backed the association, which will give players a stronger voice, particularly in negotiations with the cricket board over permission to take part in franchise cricket.
Players in 17 of the top 19 cricket-playing countries are now affiliated with the WCA, with India and Pakistan the exceptions.
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Peter Rutherford)
