Sri Lankan cricketers run the risk of a two-year ban if they do not sign contracts with national sports bodies under the new policy of Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

This policy aims to bind players to stricter administration of contracts such as being in the country at least two weeks prior to a tour as well as the new clause the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) intends on introducing that prevents non-contracted players from using any of SLC facilities, including SLC-owned gyms and nets.

Mr Aluthgamage told Sri Lanka’s Sunday Times newspaper that fast bowler Lasith Malinga’s contract refusal spurred the new policy.

"This is a trend that we must nip in the bud. I find fault with the administrators for not getting tough on the players," the minister added.

But Malinga, who played as a non-contracted player from March 2011 to February 2012, without opposition from the sports ministry or SLC officials last year, said in an interview that contracts have not been offered to any player yet.

The SLC cannot present new contracts to players this year, as they have been unable to honour contract payments from the previous contract period.

Mr Aluthgamage is yet to initiate any investigation into the conduct of government-appointed cricket board officials who left SLC in nearly US$ 70 million in debt after co-hosting the World Cup last year.