The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is back and better than ever with its upcoming 4th edition set to take place from 30th July to 20th August, 2023. This year, the matches will be played both in Colombo and Kandy, featuring five teams: Galle Gladiators, Dambulla Aura, Lyca Jaffna Kings, Colombo Strikers and Kandy Falcons – with each team including 6 international players. Player Registrations will open on the 15th of May, for both local and international players, with the Live Player Draft scheduled for the 4th of June 2023.
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.
But that is not all! The LPL has also announced a number of foreign players who have been registered for the upcoming players’ draft. 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.
The teams will play each other twice in the round-robin stage, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. The tournament promises to be an action-packed, super thrilling series with top-quality cricket on display throughout.
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!”
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). Players of their fine calibre, and global recognition, willing to make accommodations to participate in the LPL, is a testament to the quality of the tournament and the level of international talent it is capable of attracting.
“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 Lanka Premier League.
The LPL has been a great success since its inception and is enjoyed by fans all over the world. It is an exceptional platform for young Sri Lankan talent to showcase their skills and compete against some of the best players in the world. With the match dates set to be announced during the first week of May, fans all around the world can now plan their schedules and witness the excitement of the Lanka Premier League.
“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!” added Mr. Dodanwela.
So, cricket fans, mark your calendars and get ready for the LPL, a tournament that promises to be full of excitement and action. The fourth edition of the LPL is set to take Sri Lankan cricket to new heights, with anticipation growing amongst fans in Sri Lanka and across the world.