Mathews top earner in cricket, non-playing Chandimal paid more than regular players | Sunday Observer

Mathews top earner in cricket, non-playing Chandimal paid more than regular players

27 October, 2019
Angelo Mathews
Angelo Mathews

Despite playing below par in the recently concluded World Cup, Angelo Mathews has become the top earner for the ensuing year (2020) that makes him earn Rs.23.5 million which is only a “retainer” according to the new contracts for players.

In addition he is entitled to Rs. 900,000 for a single Test match and Rs. 630,000 for a single ODI match.

Mathews was also one of the 10 players who refused to tour Pakistan letting down his employer Sri Lanka Cricket whose image was saved by the new-look side led by Dasun Shanaka which toppled Pakistan from their T20 world pedestal.

It was only last year that Mathews was ousted from the limited overs team as the selectors and the then coach Chandika Hathurusinha produced stats to question his fitness levels.

Eye-brows have also being raised over the shocking exclusion of 27-year old batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa who opened the eyes of critics and experts alike with his exploits during the recent tour of Pakistan.

He is not entitled to a single dollar despite risking it all to tour Pakistan and saving the face of Sri Lanka Cricket in comparison to what Mathews and the rest are entitled to by way of what is called “Retainers”.

It has also being shocking to note that Dinesh Chandimal who could not find a place in the World Cup squad and who also refused to tour Pakistan has been contracted for Rs.14.5 million even if it means he is selected or not to play.

In contrast regular players like Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera have been contracted for less (Rs 12 million) while regular bowler Nuwan Pradeep has been contracted for Rs.9 million on par with Akila Dhananjaya who has been banned for throwing by the International Cricket Council.

It makes an appalling comparison to Dasun Shanaka who led the team to the recent success in Pakistan and who will receive just Rs. 5.4 million.

The most promising all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva will be paid, a sum of Rs. 4.5 million.

Analysts are questioning the wisdom of the contracts at a time Sri Lanka Cricket officials have come under intense pressure over shady happenings and the team’s downward trend until its image was lifted by Dasun Shanaka and team.

Young Kamindu Mendis who is fit for a place in the Sri Lanka Test team having proved his worth in the Sri Lanka A and Emerging teams has also being shown the door with nothing to fall back on without a contract.

In a nutshell Kamindu Mendis is just not good enough to be among 34 players selected for contracts as is another young and promising batsman Pathum Nissanka.

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