Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced the dates for the much-awaited sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). In a media statement, the board confirmed that its flagship domestic T20 tournament will take place across four venues in Sri Lanka between July and August later this year.
The Lanka Premier League will begin on 10 July and conclude with the final on 5 August. Having co-hosted the 2026 T20 World Cup from February to March, Sri Lanka Cricket has secured this window this year to ensure better international player availability and a smooth schedule for the tournament across the country.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirms Lanka Premier League venues and dates
On Wednesday, 22 April, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the tournament timeline and host cities. The board said the four major international venues in Colombo, Pallekele and Dambulla will host matches from July 5 to August 6 during the upcoming season.
“The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 will be held from July 10 to August 5, 2026. The sixth edition of the much-awaited T20 league will be played across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RPICS, Colombo; PICS, Pallekele; and RDICS, Dambulla,” Sri Lanka Cricket said.
Sri Lanka Cricket had planned to expand the LPL by adding a sixth team from the sixth season. However, competition will continue with teams from existing cities. The contracts of Jaffna Kings and Colombo Strikers were terminated for failing to meet their obligations.
Sri Lanka Cricket announces foreign player registration portal for LPL 2026 draft
Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to move away from the traditional player auction system used in previous editions. The board will conduct a full player draft to allocate both domestic and international cricketers to the five franchises of the Lanka Premier League for the sixth season.
Sri Lanka Cricket has outlined clear registration deadlines for international players seeking contracts. The board also confirmed when the online registration platform will open for overseas players wishing to enter the draft.
“The online portal for registration of foreign players will open on May 4, 2026,” the official statement said.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirms event management structure and tournament director for LPL 2026
Sri Lanka Cricket also clarified the administrative structure of managing the tournament, which was launched in 2020. The board confirmed that it will continue to work in partnership with IPG Group to ensure smooth operations during the four-week Lanka Premier League season.
“The tournament will be organized by LPL owners Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in partnership with tournament hosting rights holder IPG Group,” Sri Lanka Cricket announced.
Sri Lanka Cricket also confirmed the leadership details for the tournament. Executive Committee member Samantha Dodanwella will continue in her role as Tournament Director, with the Board expressing full confidence in her leadership for the upcoming season.
“Mr. Samantha Dodanwella, who is a member of the SLC Executive Committee, will continue to act as Tournament Director,” the statement concluded.
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