The fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set to get underway on 30 July, and will be played until 20 August in both Colombo and Kandy.
Issuing a statement in this regard, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stated thet 2023 edition of the domestic series will feature five teams: Galle Gladiators, Dambulla Aura, Lyca Jaffna Kings, Colombo Strikers and Kandy Falcons – with each team including six international players.
Accordingly, Player Registrations will open on the 15 May, for both local and international players, with the Live Player Draft is scheduled for 04 June.
Match dates are also set to be announced during the first week of May.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the LPL is the calibre of players it attracts from all around the world. This year, some of the biggest names in cricket will be participating, including West Indies stars Dwayne Bravo and Keiron Pollard, as well as Shakib Al Hassan, one of Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounders”, the statement read, adding that several renowned players from Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, New Zealand, and Namibia will all be vying for a chance to participate in the tournament.
“Some of the star players include Matthew Wade, Shaun Marsh, D’Arcy Short, Usman Khawaja, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi, Muhammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Wahab Riaz, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Paul Stirling, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Doug Bracewell, and Gerhard Erasmus”, SLC revealed.
However, West Indies stars Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard have agreed to participate only in the first part of the LPL tournament due to their commitments to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The teams will play each other twice in the round-robin stage, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.
Anil Mohan, Founder and CEO of Dubai-based production giant IPG, the official promoter of LPL, expressed his excitement about the games and the quality of players the LPL attracts, “This year’s tournament includes an exciting list of players. I am sure fans can look forward to some scintillating performances from them!”
“The tournament has been scheduled for July and August this year, as it sits well with Sri Lanka’s international calendar. It also gives us the best opportunity to attract top international talent,” said Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the LPL.
“We are excited to be hosting the tournament once again and can’t wait to see what this year’s edition has in store. With the level of talent on display, we are confident that the tournament will be a huge success!” he added.
