August 14, 2024

Lanka Premier League (LPL) : Key Teams  and History of Achievements

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league established in Sri Lanka in 2020. The league features five teams named after Sri Lankan cities. Although it was initially set to start in 2018, several delays occurred, with the inaugural season eventually beginning in November 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of 2024, the league has completed five seasons. The Jaffna Kings are the current champions, having won their fourth title in 2024 by defeating the Galle Marvels in the final.

The league’s first season faced numerous delays. It was initially planned for August-September 2018 but postponed due to administrative issues. The tournament was rescheduled to start on August 28, 2020, but began on November 26, 2020, due to pandemic restrictions. In May 2022, Samantha Dodanwala was appointed as the tournament director. The third season, initially planned for August 2022, was postponed due to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and related protests.

Organization

Player acquisition, squad composition, and salaries

In the league’s first three seasons, teams picked players through a draft and could sign a few directly. For the 2023 season, an auction was introduced. Each team could sign two local and two international players directly before the auction. Teams had a budget of $1 million, with $500,000 set aside for direct signings and the rest used in the auction.

Governing Council

Sri Lanka Cricket oversees all aspects of the tournament and has set up a governing council to manage the league. This council includes Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva. In 2020, the rights to market and organize the Lanka Premier League were given to Innovative Production Group (IPG), an Indian-owned company based in Dubai.

Finances

The league’s first season attracted a total audience of 557 million across TV, digital, and traditional media. According to Sri Lanka Cricket’s 2021 Annual Report, the league earned LKR 334 million in 2020, LKR 463 million in 2021, and LKR 839 million in 2022.

Criticism

During a parliamentary debate on Sri Lanka Cricket’s spending for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe highlighted the need to regulate the Lanka Premier League’s franchise owners and sponsors. He noted that some 2023 sponsors were gambling companies and unapproved foreign exchange trading platforms. Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also pointed out that the B-Love Network, which owns the Kandy franchise, is banned in Sri Lanka.

Seasons

Of the five teams in the league, the Jaffna franchise has won three titles, while the Kandy franchise has won one. The Jaffna Stallions won the first season by beating the Galle Gladiators by 53 runs. The following season, the Jaffna Kings defeated Galle by 23 runs. In 2022, they won their third consecutive title by beating the Colombo Stars by 2 wickets.

Lanka Premier League Active Teams, Standing and Key Players

Jaffna Kings: The Jaffna Kings, formerly known as the Jaffna Stallions, are a prominent team in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Joining the league in its inaugural season in 2020, the Kings quickly established themselves as a dominant force. They have won multiple titles, including the inaugural season, and secured their third consecutive championship in 2022. Known for their solid performances and consistent excellence, the Jaffna Kings have become one of the most successful franchises in the LPL, showcasing top-notch cricketing talent and strategic prowess. As of 2024, they remain a top contender in the league, reflecting their enduring competitiveness and skill.

Galle Titans: The Galle Titans, formerly the Galle Gladiators, joined the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in its inaugural season 2020. Since their debut, the Titans have been a competitive force in the league, reaching the final in their first season but falling to the Jaffna Stallions. Despite this early setback, the Titans have continued to be a strong team, regularly contending in the playoffs and showcasing a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. As of 2024, the Galle Titans remain a significant presence in the LPL, known for their aggressive style of play and resilience on the field.

Kandy Falcons: The Kandy Falcons, part of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) since its inaugural season 2020, are a notable franchise in Sri Lankan T20 cricket. Initially competing as the Kandy Tuskers, the team was rebranded to the Kandy Falcons in subsequent seasons. Known for their competitive spirit and passionate fan base, the Falcons secured their first LPL title in the 2021 season. Despite their strong performances, the team has faced stiff competition from other franchises. As of 2024, the Kandy Falcons remain a formidable team in the league, consistently striving to enhance their standing and add to their accolades.

Colombo Stars: The Colombo Stars joined the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in its inaugural season in 2020 and have established themselves as a significant competitor. Known for their dynamic and skilled lineup, the Stars have made notable strides in their performance. Their most prominent achievement came in 2022 when they reached the final but fell short of securing the title. As of 2024, the Colombo Stars remain competitive in the LPL, consistently demonstrating strong performances and aiming to build on their past successes to capture their first championship.

Dambulla Aura: The Dambulla Aura, a franchise in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), joined the league for its 2021 season. Known for their competitive spirit and strategic gameplay, the Dambulla Aura quickly made their mark in the league. They have been a strong contender, showcasing a blend of experienced and emerging players. As of 2024, the Dambulla Aura remains a significant team in the LPL, consistently challenging for top positions and aiming to secure their first championship. Their performance in recent seasons has solidified their reputation as a formidable opponent in the league.