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Arnold, Avishka, Farveez say no to SLC contracts
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Three Sri Lanka Cricketers Russell Arnold,Avishka Gunawardene and Farveez Maharoof have refused to accept their annual contracts valued at US $ 2000 offered by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

SLC in consultation with the National Selectors offered annual contracts between US $ 15,000 and 60,000 for it’s top eleven players and followed it up by offering US $ 2000 each, for thirteen other players who have been mainly playing for the Sri Lanka A team. Russell, Avishka and Farveez who were in and out of the Sri Lanka team last year were not considered in the top eleven players who were offered lucrative contracts but included in the lower category of cricketers.

However the three cricketers have decided not to accept the contracts and instead will forego the US $2000 that has been offered. SLC on the other hand are also not willing to bend backwards and dance to the tune of the cricketers. SLC Chief Executive Officer Duleep Mendis and SLC Secretary Tryphon Mirando confirmed to the Sunday Times that Russell, Avishka and Farveez have indicated that they will not be signing their player contracts.

Player contracts are offered based on the performances of each individual player in the previous year. SLC and the National Selectors are of the view that only the top performers are offered player contracts while the others will have to perform and impress the selectors if they are to be considered for higher contracts.

“It’s upto each individual. If anyone is not signing their contracts it is they who will be the losers,” said Mirando. Earlier Chief Selector Lalith Kaluperuma had emphasized that players contracts were finalized based on a set criteria which was used as a guide.He insisted that they will not change the criteria but will certainly consider players who have performed this year for better terms next year.

Hameedias, Trendy, Ma’s in the fray
Sri Lanka’s leading men’s wear specialists Hameedias along with Trendy and Ma’s Holdings have been short listed to be the teams official clothes supplier for the next two years. According to the Marketing Director of SLC Jayantha Kudahetty the contract with the teams official clothes supplier will be finalized this week.” We are still speaking to three of the potential candidates and should finalize the contract this week”Kudahetty confirmed.

Trendy are the current holders of the franchise while Hameedias have a been closely associated with SLC in the past. Mas Holdings a leading garment manufacturer and exporter in the country are also making a strong claim to clinch the contract.

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