Wikipedia - Lanka Premier League
The Lanka Premier League (abbreviated as LPL; Sinhala: ලංකා ප්රිමියර් ලීග්, Tamil: லங்கா பிரீமியர் லீக்) is a professional franchise cricket league established in 2020 in Sri Lanka. Matches are played using the Twenty20 cricket format by five teams named after Sri Lankan cities. The league was intended to commence in 2018, but repeatedly postponed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The inaugural edition took place in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of 2024, there have been five seasons of the tournament. The current title holder team is Jaffna Kings, who won their fourth title in the 2024 Lanka Premier League by defeating Galle Marvels in the final.
History
The first season of the league was initially planned to be held from 18 August to 10 September 2018, but this was postponed multiple times due to administrative issues within Sri Lanka Cricket. In June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, SLC announced the tournament would start on 28 August 2020, with 70 overseas players showing an interest in playing in the league. In August 2020, Ravin Wickramaratne, the Vice President of SLC was officially appointed as the director of the tournament. After being rescheduled due to pandemic related restrictions, the first season began on 26 November 2020.
In May 2022, Samantha Dodanwala was officially appointed as the LPL tournament director. The third edition was scheduled to take place in August 2022, but due to the ongoing Sri Lankan economic crisis and the resultant 2022 Sri Lankan protests, was postponed despite the player draft having already been held.
The LPL is designed to promote the sport within the country while providing a thrilling entertainment experience for fans. With a format that includes a round-robin stage followed by playoffs, the tournament ensures high-stakes matches filled with explosive batting, strategic bowling, and nail-biting finishes.
In addition to featuring established international stars, the LPL also serves as a launchpad for emerging Sri Lankan cricketers, giving them the opportunity to shine on a global stage. The tournament is characterized by its festive atmosphere, with colorful fan engagement, music, and cultural displays, making it a celebration of cricket and Sri Lankan heritage.
As the LPL continues to grow, it aims to enhance the profile of Sri Lankan cricket, attract global audiences, and contribute to the development of the sport in the region. Whether you're a die-hard cricket fan or a casual observer, the Lanka Premier League promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in the world of cricket.