Tillakartne Dilshan. -File photo

BENONI: Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan says his players have received promises they'll be paid before next week's first test against South Africa after going nine months without their salaries.

Sri Lanka's cricketers have not been paid since March because of the national body's financial difficulties, providing a constant distraction to their on-field performances.

The team has lost three straight test series since the problems surfaced and will now play a three-match series in South Africa beginning next Thursday.

Dilshan says he had recent discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket and “they promised they will sort it out next week. They are definitely going to sort it out before the first test. That's what I heard from the cricket board.”?