The Lanka Premier League (LPL) returns for its fifth edition, commencing today at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Defending champions Kandy Falcons will meet Dambulla Sixes at 7:30 pm. The tournament will consist of 24 matches, including two qualifiers, one eliminator, and a final.
The first stage of the tournament will be held at Pallekele from today until July 3, then it will move to Dambulla International Stadium from July 6 to July 10, and finally to Colombo R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium from July 13 to July 21. Qualifier 1 and Eliminator 1 matches will be held on July 18, Qualifier 2 on July 20, and the grand final is scheduled for July 21.
The tournament promises three weeks of thrilling T20 action, featuring a mix of international stars and top Sri Lankan talent. It also provides a good opportunity for promising players to mix with foreign and national players.
The five teams Kandy Falcons, Dambulla Sixes, Colombo Strikers, Galle Marvels and Jaffna Kings started their practices yesterday. The five teams will play against each other twice during the league stage, resulting in each team playing a total of 8 matches. The top four teams from the league stage will advance to the playoffs.
Last time Kandy beat Dambulla in the final while first three editions were won by Jaffna franchise team.
This time matches at LPL will feature two additional power play overs at the death. The two “power-blast overs”, which will be the 16th and 17th overs of each completed innings, will have a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle. This is in addition to the usual power play in the first six, where only two fielders are allowed outside the circle.
The new feature is designed to create a more aggressive and thrilling phase of the game said LPL tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela.
In addition new owners powered by Dambulla Sixes, Galle Marvels and Kandy Falcons gave much needed value to the tournament and assurance for the players which is conducted by IPG Group and Sri Lanka Cricket.
Chamari to flag off the LPL
Sri Lanka Women’s Team Captain, Chamari Athapaththu, will flag off the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 during a vibrant opening ceremony scheduled today, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Former Australian World Cup-winning Captain Michael Clarke, who is the Brand Ambassador of the LPL, will also participate in the opening ceremony, along with players from all five franchise teams, including their captains.Wanindu Hasaranga, Captain of the reigning champions Kandy Falcons, will hand over the trophy to the Brand Ambassador.
Among the dignitaries present at the event will be President of Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva, Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, and other SLC Office Bearers. One of the highlights of the event will be the launch of the Official LPL Anthem. The evening will also feature entertainment acts by artistes such as Yohani, DJ Mass, Apzi, and Romaine Willis. The opening ceremony of the Lanka Premier League 2024 will start at 6:15 PM, with the first ball of the tournament to be bowled at 7:30 PM.
First stage matches at Pallekele Stadium
July 1- Kandy Falcons Vs Dambulla Sixes 7.30pm
July 2 – Jaffna Kings Vs Galle Marvels 3pm
Colombo Strikers- Vs Kandy Falcons 7.30pm
July 3 – Dambulla Sixes Vs Jaffna Kings 3pm
Galle Marvels Vs Colombo Strikers 7.30pm
Dhammika Ratnaweera
