Sri Lanka Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
Sri Lanka has long been one of the most exciting cricketing nations, having produced some of the greatest players to ever play the game. From the ear of Kumar Sangakkara to today’s Charith Aslanka, Sri Lankan cricket has always had energy, grit and passion.
As of 2025, the Sri Lankan national cricket team proudly ranks among the top 10 international cricket teams across all formats. This time, the leadership is under the leadership of Charith Aslanka (ODI and T20I) and Dhananjaya de Silva (Test). That is why the team is trying to regain its old dominance in world cricket.
Behind the scenes, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has revamped its players’ contract system. The board has announced performance-based salaries for the best players. They will also get bonuses and incentives.
In this blog, we will break down the salary structure of Sri Lankan cricket players for 2025-26. With a complete list of different contract categories (A1, A2, B2, C1, C2, and A), match fees, and contracted players.
Sri Lanka Cricket Players Salary Categories
The SLC has classified its contracted players into six categories based on performance:
- A1 Category – Top-level cricketers who perform in all formats.
- A2 Category – Senior and established players, very influential but not in A1.
- B2 Category – Reliable contributors or specialists in the format.
- C1 Category – Players who play few matches or are developing but are consistent.
- C2 Category – Fringe players, usually playing roles in specific formats.
- A Category – New propositions, mainly young or emerging players.
Base salary by category:
- A1: $100,000
- A2: $80,000
- B2: $55,000
- C1: $45,000
- C2: $35,000
- A Category: $20,000 – $30,000
Clearly, A1 is the most lucrative category. And it is reserved for stars like Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera.
Match Fees For Sri Lankan Players
In addition to their basic salary, Sri Lankan players receive match fees for each format, which is their main source of income.
Test match:
- Win – $15,000
- Draw – $12,500
- Loss – $10,000
- ODI match fee: $4,000
- T20I match fee: $4,000
Sri Lanka Cricket has also introduced a performance-based system where players earn bonuses for series wins. It can also be given for finishing in the top 10 ICC players in any format.
This ensures that players are financially motivated to consistently perform at their best.
Full List of Sri Lanka’s 2025 Contracted Players
Here is a full breakdown of Sri Lanka’s central contracts for 2025-26, along with salaries and match fees.
A1 Category Players (Base Salary: $100,000)
| Player | Category | Base Salary | Test (Win) | Test (Draw) | Test (Loss) | ODI | T20I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimuth Karunaratne | A1 | $100,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | A1 | $100,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | A1 | $100,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | A1 | $100,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
A2 Category Players (Base Salary: $80,000)
| Player | Category | Base Salary | Test (Win) | Test (Draw) | Test (Loss) | ODI | T20I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo Mathews | A2 | $80,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Pathum Nissanka | A2 | $80,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Dasun Shanaka | A2 | $80,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
B2 Category Players (Base Salary: $55,000)
| Player | Category | Base Salary | Test (Win) | Test (Draw) | Test (Loss) | ODI | T20I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charith Asalanka | B2 | $55,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Dinesh Chandimal | B2 | $55,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Kasun Rajitha | B2 | $55,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Ramesh Mendis | B2 | $55,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Lasith Embuldeniya | B2 | $55,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
C1 Category Players (Base Salary: $45,000)
| Player | Category | Base Salary | Test (Win) | Test (Draw) | Test (Loss) | ODI | T20I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vishwa Fernando | C1 | $45,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Avishka Fernando | C1 | $45,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
C2 Category Players (Base Salary: $35,000)
| Player | Category | Base Salary | Test (Win) | Test (Draw) | Test (Loss) | ODI | T20I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamika Karunaratne | C2 | $35,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Niroshan Dickwella | C2 | $35,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Danushka Gunathilaka | C2 | $35,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Kusal Mendis | C2 | $35,000 | $15,000 | $12,500 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
A-Grade Players (Base Salary: $20,000 – $30,000)
These players are mostly young or emerging talents, forming the backbone of the future of Sri Lankan cricket. Some notable names include:
- Oshada Fernando
- Shevon Daniel
- Nuwan Thushara
- Sahan Arachige
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Dushan Hemantha
- Binura Fernando
- Eshen Bandara
- Prabhat Jayasuriya
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Asitha Fernando
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Kamindhu Mendis
- Lahiru Kumara.
Similar Article: West Indies Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
Why This Salary Structure Is Important
Sri Lankan cricket has faced challenges in recent years. Some of these challenges are retaining key players, financial struggles and fluctuating performances. With a structured salary system with performance bonuses, salaries and match fees, SLC can keep players motivated. It also helps players represent their country.
This also helps young players, who see a clear financial path as they progress from the A category to the A1 category.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the highest-paid cricketer in Sri Lanka in 2025?
The highest-paid cricketers are in the A1 category, including:
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Wanindhu Hasaranga
- Dushmanth Chameera
Each of their players receives a basic salary of $100,000 in addition to match fees and performance bonuses.
Q2. How much do Sri Lankan cricketers earn for playing Test matches?
Sri Lankan players earn $15,000 for a win, $12,500 for a draw and $10,000 for a loss in a Test match. This is in addition to their annual central contract salary.
Q3. Do Sri Lankan cricketers earn the same in ODIs and T20Is?
Yes, players earn $4,000 per match for both ODIs and T20Is. However, players who finish in the ICC top 10 also get additional performance-based bonuses.
Q4. What is the difference between A1 and A2 contracts in Sri Lankan cricket?
The A1 contract ($100,000) is reserved for the best performing all-format players. The A2 contract ($80,000) goes to senior and consistent cricketers who remain important to the team.
Q5. How do Sri Lankan players’ salaries compare to India or Australia?
Sri Lankan salaries are low compared to richer boards like BCCI (India) or Cricket Australia.
