Angelo Mathews has refused to sign the tour contract for the upcoming series against India at home. However, 29 players considered for the series have signed the contract.
The new module of the contract system devised by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has left many cricketers in a bitter mood. It has slashed the base pay of the employees and increased performance-based incentives.
Initially, 24 cricketers were divided into four grades, with Dhananjaya de Silva as the only cricketer in the Elite group. The cricketers subsequently refused to sign the annual contract. Now they will be given short-term tour contracts for every series they play.
One of the gravest consequences of this policy will be on the Test cricketers. Sri Lanka will not be playing any Test until year end, which will leave the Test specialists without a contract.
As per the new contract, Mathews would have got USD 50,000 less than what he was getting under the old contract.
Mathews has also indicated bidding adieu to the game shortly. He has been distraught with the current management and the lack of transparency in the new contract system they brought in place.
As per ESPNCricinfo, Mathews will take a few weeks to decide over his future in international cricket.
Meanwhile, India has already reached Sri Lanka, and the three-match ODI series begins on 13 July.