CHORLEY Cricket Club have signed Sri Lankan Chamikara Edirisinghe as professional for the 2019 season.

The 27-year-old is a slow left arm bowler and has taken more than 200 first class wickets.

Edirisinghe is replacing fellow Sri Lankan Gayan Maneeshan as the club’s professional after the latter could not agree terms for next year.

Windsor Park captain Andrew Holdsworth said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have secured the services of Chamikara.

“It is a great shame that we couldn’t agree terms with Gayan but after that was made clear, we acted quickly and felt Chamikara was the standout candidate.

“We’ve seen him play before and he comes highly recommended by a couple of our contacts in Sri Lanka.

“Chamikara offers a different dimension to our bowling attack and I believe he will be a fantastic addition.”

Back in his homeland, Edirisinghe represents Saracens Sports Club and the Sri Lankan has also indicated his desire to be a part of the club’s thriving junior section.

A more than capable middle order batsman Chamikara will require a work visa but that is expected to be agreed while he will be available for the full Northern League season.

Chorley finished fifth in the league last season but won the competition’s T20 title.