Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) decided to readjust the commencement date of the ‘Lanka Premier League’ (LPL) in order to ensure that participating players have adequate time to meet ‘Quarantine Requirements,’ as per the Government’s health regulations.
Accordingly, the commencement of the inaugural LPL, which was scheduled to start on November 14 will be shifted to November 21 this year.
Whilst creating space for meeting quarantine requirements, the move is also aimed at giving an opportunity for the players taking part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to make it to the LPL.
Adjusting the commencement date of the LPL gives adequate time for the players playing in the IPL to make it to the LPL. The IPL final is slated for November 10 in the UAE. Most of the players who won’t be part of the IPL finals will reach Sri Lanka well in time to serve the quarantine period and ensure their availability for the league opener.
“Since the IPL will go until the 10th of November, we thought to keep some space for the players taking part in the IPL, and who wish to make it to the LPL to take part
in the tournament’’ said Mr. Ravin Wickramaratne, The Tournament Director, LPL.
Accordingly, the ‘Player Draft’ of the LPL, which was to take place on October 1 is now shifted to October 9.
The Lanka Premier League will consist of five franchises. Each one of them can buy up to six international players.
One of the teams has been acquired the Pakistan Super League’s franchise Quetta Gladiators owners. The team, to be based out of Galle, will be called Galle Gladiators.