COLOMBO, March 15: A win bonus incentive scheme has been introduced to Sri Lanka cricketers’ contracts when it came up for review this month. There is also additional clause added to their contracts that after a few tours or series if players are not performing their basic salaries will be reviewed and adjusted accordingly.

These are main changes Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)’s interim committee decided to bring about when drawing up new contracts to encourage team to raise their performance levels. Annual contracts came into effect from March 1.

Since Oct 25 Sri Lanka’s cricketing fortunes have dipped to extent that they are currently ranked seventh in both Tests and One-day Internationals.

It is lowest positions they attained since ICC ranking system was introduced five years ago. The indifferent form shown by team saw them win only eight of their last 25 ODIs and lose 17.

Today they are in danger of having to qualify for a place in this year’s ICC Champions Trophy in India unless they are able to lift off present position by winning against Pakistan in upcoming three ODIs series starting on Friday.

Meanwhile, SLC has launched a project to discover fastest young bowler in the country.

Called Pace Ace 2006 it will be launched in Dambulla starting March 18 where aspiring bowlers in age group of 17-25 years will bowl under command of a speed gun.

The fastest of bowlers in each province will have opportunity of a place in Bowling Academy and chance to win cash awards and certificates.

The project is being supervised by former Test pace bowler Champaka Ramanayake. —Agencies