New ethics code for nationally-contracted players: SLC strengthens discipline code for national players

• SLC tightens noose on erratic behaviour 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is set to introduce a revised ethics code for nationally-contracted players ahead of finalising its fresh contracts through the formation of a new and long-overdue ethics code.

According to SLC sources, this has been mooted in a bid to improve the public perception of the national team in the eyes of its legion of followers and to fully professionalise its set up.

A key feature of this ethics code set forth is all nationally-contracted players and support staff inclusive of coaches being required to limit personal interactions to spouses or recognised partners during tours and international assignments.

Among other aspects covered in the guidelines include prohibition of use of improper language, undue use of social media platforms and the dress code when visiting SLC offices, or whenever being involved in national team practice sessions and during international tours etc.

It has been stipulated that if any player or member of the coaching staff are found guilty of use of obscene language during both home and away international series, it would be considered a violation of the new ethics code formulated and the team manager has been empowered to impose fines.

The game’s domestic governing body has also laid specific importance to the time spent on various social media platforms by the players, and henceforth no contracted player has been allowed to use such mediums to either dampen the spirit of the team or unduly boost one’s image via such sources.

The new ethics code also has forced nationally-contracted players to desist from sporting ear studs or any form of earrings and tattoos, with this decision aimed at bringing about a professional atmosphere into the team and to prevent unforeseen player injuries.

Sri Lanka Cricket has also barred players and any member of the national team’s support staff from visiting its premises in future clad in shorts and wearing rubber slippers, with it also being viewed as a measure taken to imbue a long-overdue professional environment to the national set up.

One of the most-talked about guidelines contained in the fresh ethics code is the introduction of restrictions on personal interactions during tours and home series as part of broader anti-corruption and on-tour discipline protocols.

These measures are intended to minimise external influence and reduce risks such as attempts to extract sensitive team information through inducements. Interaction with unauthorised individuals during tours will be subject to strict monitoring under the revised code.

However, the SLC has emphasised that players or support staff have not been restricted from maintaining contact with spouses or established partners, provided such interactions do not impact professional commitments and match concentration.

The previous contracts signed by SLC with national players expired on 31 March and the new contracts inclusive of the ethics code are to be presented to the cricketers shortly.