Lanka Premier League to Introduce Player Draft for Sixth Season
No Auction for Upcoming Lanka Premier League Season
Colombo [Sri Lanka], January 13: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that the sixth season of the Lanka Premier League will not feature an auction, as reported by a sports media outlet. Instead, a player draft is scheduled for March 22.
According to an official statement from SLC, franchises will have the opportunity to select both local and international players during the draft for this premier domestic T20 tournament.
The sixth season was initially planned for early December 2025 but has been postponed to prepare venues for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.
The Lanka Premier League has now been rescheduled to take place from July 8 to August 8, aligning with SLC's preferred timeline.
This draft marks a return to a different selection format, as the previous two seasons utilized player auctions.
Additionally, the league has announced the introduction of a sixth franchise for the upcoming season, highlighting its growth and significance as one of the fastest-developing T20 leagues in the region.
With an exciting international cricket calendar approaching, the LPL aims to capitalize on this momentum to deliver an exhilarating tournament filled with action.
The sixth edition is set to showcase more matches, star players, and local talent, all presented in the vibrant style that has made the league a staple in Sri Lanka's sports scene.
Chris Gayle, known as the 'Universe Boss', will serve as the official Brand Ambassador, embodying the league's ambition to be more dynamic and engaging than ever.
In collaboration with IPG Group, SLC continues to enhance domestic cricket while attracting global talent and investment to Sri Lanka's sports landscape.
Samantha Dodanwela, the Tournament Director, expressed enthusiasm about the league's growth, stating, 'The Lanka Premier League captures the essence of Sri Lankan cricket—passion, skill, and entertainment. With the expansion to six teams, the 2026 edition is set to be our most ambitious yet. The July-August timeframe is perfect for showcasing top-tier cricket during a time of heightened T20 excitement in the country.'
The upcoming season will feature six franchises—Colombo, Dambulla, Galle, Jaffna, Kandy, and a new team to be announced soon—competing in key national venues before the playoffs determine the champion. Fans can expect thrilling matches, star-studded rosters, and the electrifying presence of Chris Gayle as the league prepares for its most significant season yet.
Anil Mohan, the Founder and CEO of IPG Group, stated, 'We are excited to continue our partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket in delivering a premier tournament that consistently raises the standard. Our focus on league management, operations, and global marketing aims to position the LPL as a benchmark for franchise cricket in the region. With six teams now involved, we anticipate that the 2026 season will set new benchmarks for quality, competition, and fan engagement.'
Since its launch in 2020, the Lanka Premier League has successfully hosted five seasons, quickly becoming one of South Asia's most thrilling T20 competitions. The Jaffna franchise has been particularly successful, claiming four titles, while other teams strive for regional supremacy, promising an intensely competitive season ahead.