The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2022 has been postponed with immediate effect due to the growing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, confirmed the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)  on July 17, Sunday. It was scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 22.

The SLC stated that the decision was taken after a request was made by the right holders of the tournament, Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), citing that the current economic situation is not suitable for the tournament. 

“This decision was taken by the SLC, following a request made by the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), the Rights Holder of the tournament, which cited the current ‘economic situation,’ in the country, as not conducive to hosting the tournament.” said the SLC in a statement.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees the scene

Sri Lanka’s ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled his residence shortly before the protesters arrived. A senior official, who requested anonymity said that Rajapaksa is currently under the protection of the military at a “safe” location, as reported by The Hindu.

A political scientist named Jayadeva Uyangoda said that Rajapaksa’s resignation was a major victory for the political struggle, adding that this was an outcome of citizens’ direct action. “That is a major victory for the political struggle, as even political parties have found it very difficult to dislodge the Rajapaksas,” Uyangoda told The Hindu.

“This is an outcome of citizens’ direct action, and outside the political party domain. Only a bloody revolution might have achieved this in other contexts,” added Uyangoda. “People should be allowed to elect a new parliament that can change the Constitution to abolish the Presidential system and restore democracy. That is the most important priority,” he added. 

Uyangoda said that there is no guarantee that an interim or a newly elected government can resolve the economic hole the country is in, within a short period. He gave the example of the past situations in Greece, Italy, Argentina, Zambia and Lebanon. He said that Sri Lanka must also expect a period of political instability before things are stable again.

Kandy Falcons have added another star Sri Lankan cricketer to their ranks, roping in opening batter Pathum Nissanka for the upcoming Lanka Premier League season, commencing on 31st July. The right-handed batter will team up with compatriots Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne in the Falcons squad.

The top-order batter is ranked 8th in ICC’s Men’s T20I batting rankings, highest among all Sri Lankan batters currently. One of the many talented Sri Lankan players, Nissanka is an exciting prospect who impressed one and all with a glorious match-winning maiden century in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.

The 24-year-old joins the franchise ahead of the third edition of the LPL and will be sharing the spotlight with several other youngsters like Kamindhu Mendis, Dewald Brewis, and Matheesha Pathirana. The squad has got a perfect amalgamation of youth and experience with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Carlos Brathwaite at the helm. Kandy Falcons’ owner welcomed the opener to the team and stated that he will be an asset in the upcoming tournament.

“Pathum’s inclusion will not only strengthen our batting but his recent experience playing in the Sri Lanka T20 team will be a huge asset to the team. I am sure the fans will be happy to see him in action for Kandy Falcons in the LPL,” Kandy franchisee owner Parvez Khan said to Newswire.

Pathum Nissanka has tested positive for Covid-19

Meanwhile, Nissanka has been ruled out of the ongoing second Test against Australia after he tested positive for Covid-19. Oshada Fernando has been brought on as the Covid substitute, who had also replaced Angelo Mathews in similar circumstances in the first Test against the visitors.

The Sri Lankan camp has been hit with a Covid outbreak as the quartet of Praveen Jayawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Asitha Fernando, and Jeffrey Vandersay were also ruled out for the second Test after testing positive for Covid 19, post the first Test. Meanwhile, Mathews recovered just in time for the second Test and registered a crucial fifty for the side in the first innings.

The third edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) will commence on 31st July, and the squads for the five participating teams have been finally molded after the Lanka Premier League Player Draft, which took place on 5th July. Carlos Brathwaite, Imad Wasim, and Dwaine Pretorius were the marquee signings of the much-awaited draft.

The 20-round Draft included a total of 353 players, among which 180 foreign players were selected by the franchises. A total of 173 Sri Lankan players will also represent the teams in the tournament, as each team’s roster will comprise 20 players, consisting of 14 Sri Lankans and six foreigners. 

We look at the finalized squads for all the participating LPL teams after Player Draft

Kandy Falcons

Formerly known as Kandy warriors and Kandy Tuskers, Kandy Falcons secured the services of T20 stalwart and former West Indies T20I captain Carlos Brathwaite. They also snapped up the competition’s highest wicket-taker Wanindu Hasaranga with hopes for a better outing this term.

Kandy Falcons squad: Carlos Brathwaite, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Fabian Allen, Chris Green, Andre Fletcher, Isuru Udana, Dewald Brevis, Matheesha Pathirana, Ashen Bandara, Usman Shinwari, Ashan Priyanjan, Minod Bhanuka, Avishka Perera, Ashian Daniel, Malinda Pushpakumara, Janith Liyanage, Lasith Abeyratne, Kavin Bandara

Jaffna Kings

The defending champions made shrewd business in the draft as they secured explosive batter Evin Lewis along with veteran all-rounders Thisara Perera and Shoaib Malik. Young Dunith Wellalage, who was impressive against the Australians in the T20I series for Sri Lanka, will also don the jersey of the most successful team in the league.

Jaffna Kings squad: Evin Lewis, Thisara Perera, Hardus Viljoen, Dhananjaya De Silva, Shoaib Malik, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shahnawaz Dahani, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Binura Fernando, Tristan Stubbs, Suminda Lakshan, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilshan Madushanka, Nipun Dhananjaya, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Theesan Vidushan, T. Dinoshan, Ashan Randika

Galle Gladiators

The runner-ups in both the previous editions of the tournament Galle Gladiators will hope to go one better this season. They were able to secure the services of Pakistani star Imad Wasim and Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis, who displayed great form in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.

Galle Gladiators squad: Imad Wasim, Danushka Gunathilaka, Faheem Asraf, Dushmantha Chameera, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Thushara, Pulina Tharanga, Janneman Malan, Qais Ahmad, Azam Khan, Sarfaraz Ahamed, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nimesh Vimukthi, Movin Subasingha, Nipun Malinga, Sachindu Colombage, Lakshan Gamage, Tharindu Kaushal, Sammu Asham

Dambulla Giants

The Dambulla Giants squad is looking great on paper after they managed to snap up Australia’s D’Arcy Short and Ben Cutting. Sri Lanka’s hottest commodity and white ball captain Dasun Shanaka will also feature for the team this term along with compatriot Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Tim Seifert is another player the other teams will need to look out for because of his power-hitting ability in this format.

Dambulla Giants squad: D’Arcy Short, Dasun Shanaka, Ben Cutting, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chaturanga de Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Tharindu Ratnayake, Sandeep Lamichhane, Tim Siefert, Haider Ali, Sheldon Cottrel, Pramod Madushan, Lasith Crosspulle, Kalana Perera, Dilum Sudeera, Sachitha Jayatilaka, Dushan Hemantha, Sasha De Alwis, Ravindu Fernando

Colombo Stars

Another team who did some smart decisions in the draft are Colombo Stars. The Colombo-based franchise secured the signature of global South African star Dwaine Pretorius and also managed to snap up veteran Angelo Mathews, along with explosive opener Niroshan Dickwella. It will be interesting to see the progress of Dominic Drakes, who has impressed in the ongoing T20 Blast.

Colombo Stars squad: Dwaine Pretorius, Angelo Mathews, Asif Ali, Charith Asalanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Naveen Ul-Haq, Dinesh Chandimal, Karim Janat, Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dominic Drakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Muditha Lakshan, Lakshitha Manasinghe, Kevin Koththigoda, Chathuranga Kumara, Navod Paranavithana, Chamod Battage

Here is the live feed of the LPL 2022 Draft: (Hold on for a few seconds until the blog loads)

Starting on July 31, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will kick off the third edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The five-team competition will end on August 21, 2022, and will take place in Colombo and Hambantota. As the ongoing Australia tour has been a boon for the locals amid the political unrest in the country, the board has set out its plans for conducting its finest domestic T20 tournament.

The 2022 Draft will include a total of 353 players, including 173 Sri Lankan First Class, International, and Ex-International players and 180 foreign players as it is set to begin at 5 pm today, virtually, in the presence of the LPL Governance Committee, and the Franchise Owners ( Management and Coaches).

While the 20-round Draft will be categorized under different heads like the ‘International Ruby,’ ‘International Sapphire,’ ‘International Diamond ‘A’ and ‘B,’ and ‘International Platinum’, a ‘Gold Round’ for Sri Lanka will focus on choosing the country’s youthful potential, below U23, with two players each squad.

Twenty players will make up the roster, comprising 14 Sri Lankans and six foreign players. A team is allowed to keep six players from the squad from the previous year, comprising of two overseas players and four Sri Lankans, if necessary. While the remaining players must be chosen through the forthcoming ‘Player Draft’, franchisees may Direct Sign (Pre-Draft) two Sri Lankans and two international players.

The Player Draft for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 5. LPL 2022 will be the third edition that kicks off on July 31 and will be played at the RPICS, Colombo, and the MRICS, Hambantota.

The eagerly awaited LPL draft consists of 20 rounds that cover several aspects of the players’ category including International Ruby, International Sapphire, International Diamond A and B, and International Platinum. Apart from all these, there is a special category for the emerging Sri Lankan players below the U23 level which is Sri Lanka ‘Gold Round’.

LPL 2022 Player Draft: Details and Procedures

A total of 353 players are set to feature in the upcoming LPL 2022 draft. The participants consist of 180 overseas and 173 Sri Lankan players (First Class, Internationals, and Ex-Internationals) and the process will be held virtually at 5 PM IST. The event will be held in the attendance of the LPL Governance Committee, and the Franchise Owners i.e. the management and the coaches.

Each squad will consist of 20 players i.e. 14 from Sri Lanka and six overseas. Meanwhile, as per the procedures, if deemed necessary, a team also has the right to retain a maximum of six players comprising four Sri Lankans and two overseas from the previous year’s squad.

The participating franchisees have also been given the privilege of Direct Sign (Pre-Draft) involving two Sri Lankan and overseas players each. However,  the rest of the players have to be picked from the upcoming ‘Player Draft.’

Coming back to the Lanka Premier League,  Jaffna Kings (formerly known as Jaffna Stallions ) are the defending champions and the most successful side of this tournament having won the first two editions. They would be eyeing a hat-trick of titles this time around. Another important thing about the LPL is that the inaugural edition was able to be successfully organized despite the COVID-19 restrictions and the 2021 edition was organized and completed smoothly in the 18-day window in December.

Apart from the title-holders Jaffna Kings, the other four teams include Colombo Stars, Dambulla Giants, Galle Gladiators, and, Kandy Warriors.

Follow the Live Draft Feed of LPL on the CricTracker website and social media

The third edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) will commence on 31st July, and five teams will contest for the coveted trophy. Meanwhile, SkyExch will be the presenting sponsor of the prestigious league that will feature some of the most renowned names in international cricket. The league, which is still in its nascent stages, will take place from 31st July to 21st August.

SkyExch is one of the fastest-growing sports platforms that has encapsulated a wide array of sports fans around the globe. Sri Lanka Cricket has scheduled the league matches at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, whereas the business end of the tournament, i.e. knockout games to be played in Hambantota.

SLC has already opened the ‘Overseas Player Registration’ for the 3rd Edition of the Lanka Premier League starting from 14th June 2022. The overseas players will be registered under several categories such as ‘International Ruby,’ ‘International Sapphire,’ ‘International Diamond ‘A,’ and ‘B,’ and International Platinum.

Skyexch.net is actively sponsoring cricketing tournaments

The portal has been previously involved with sports as it was the title sponsor for the four-match Women’s T20I series between UAE and Hong Kong. Skyexch.net was named the title sponsor of the Women’s T20I series, with FanCode broadcasting the matches live in India, and for the rest of the world, it was available via CricTracker’s Facebook as well as on the YouTube channel.

Besides that, Skyexch.net was also a part of the AVR Pay Ajman T20 Cup that took place in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Moreover, in the recently concluded Pakistan vs West Indies series, SkyExch.net acted as a presenting sponsor.

SkyExch.net is also sponsoring the tournaments, namely Emirates D20 2022, ACC Women’s T20 Championship 2022, Singapore vs Malaysia T20I series 2022, and Malaysia Quadrangular T20I series 2022. The third edition of the tournament will kick off on July 31 and Jaffna Kings will put their best foot forward to defend their title.

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the commencement of the ‘Overseas Player Registration’ for the 3rd Edition of the Lanka Premier League starting from 14th June 2022. The overseas players will be registered under several categories such as ‘International Ruby,’ ‘International Sapphire,’ ‘International Diamond ‘A,’ and ‘B,’ and International Platinum.

Eligibility Criteria for Overseas Players

Ruby and Sapphire International players entering into the Player Draft must be registered cricketers within their relevant National Cricket Federation/Board or have represented their country at the international level.

They also should be globally renowned cricket players.

While other International players entering the ‘LPL 2022 Player Draft’ must be currently playing in either International cricket or in a Major T20 Franchisee based Cricket League, which is sanctioned by a Full or Associate Member of the International Cricket Council. (ICC).

Players can register their names via the registration portal by using the given link https://srilankacricket.lk/lpl-player-registration on or before 12:00 PM IST on 23rd June 2022.

The 3rd edition of the Lanka Premier League 2022, Sri Lanka’s topmost domestic T20 Tournament, with an International flavor will be held from 31st July to 21st August 2022.

The games of the much-awaited competition will be played at the RPICS, Colombo, Sand the MRICS, Hambantota.

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform you that the 3rd Edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), will take place from 31st July to 21st August 2022. The much-awaited tournament which is Sri Lanka’s topmost domestic T20 league, with an international flavor, will be played at the RPICS, Colombo, and the MRICS, Hambantota. The RPICS, Colombo will host the initial games of the 5-team tournament, while later the competition will shift to MRICS, Hambantota.

‘’We are extremely happy to announce the 3rd edition of the Lanka Premier League, which has started well its journey toward carving a place in the global T20 League competitions, as a formidable tournament,’’ said Mr. Shammi Silva, President, Sri Lanka Cricket. The tournament in total will play 24 games, while registration of International Players for the Player Draft of the ‘Lanka Premier League’ will commence shortly. IPG Group is the Official Right Holders of Lanka Premier League (LPL) for 2020-2024.

Jaffna Kings clinched the first two editions of LPL

Talking about the tournament, The inception of LPL was done in 2018 by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board. But due to administrative issues, it was postponed on several occasions. The tournament finally got the green light in 2020 and commenced during the restrictions of the Covid-19. The tournament features five teams taking part each year. Jaffna Stallions (now Jaffna Kings) won the inaugural LPL title in 2020 and backed it up by winning a 2nd consecutive title by defeating Galle Gladiators in last year’s final.

The competition features numerous talented Sri Lankan players, who share the limelight with some of the most renowned international players. Sri Lanka’s spin sensation Wanindu Hasaranga is the most successful bowler in the tournament’s history, with 28 wickets to his name.

Last year’s Player of the Tournament, Aviska Fernando is one of the most sought-after players in the league and was the 2nd highest run-getter in 2021. His captain Thisara Parera will be looking to make it a hat-trick of titles, heading into this year’s tournament.

Jaffna Kings, on Thursday, won back-to-back titles in the Lanka Premier League. In a repeat of first season’s final, Thisara Perera and Co. defeated the Galle Gladiators by 23 runs at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. The Bhanuka Rajapaksa-led Gladiators would be disappointed after finishing as the runners-up in two seasons on the trot.

Fernando, Kohler-Cadmore make hay

After winning the toss, the Kings got off to an absolute flier, scoring 61 runs in the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Avishka Fernando put on 56 runs for the first wicket to lay the platform. Samit Patel separated the duo, getting rid of Gurbaz, who smashed a quickfire 18-ball 35. Thereafter, Fernando and Tom Kohler-Cadmore carried on with the good work, stitching a handy 63-run stand.

Nuwan Thushara pinned Fernando in the 13th over, but Kohler-Cadmore made sure that he played until the very end. Fernando blazed his way to a 41-ball 63, laced with eight fours and two sixes. Kohler-Cadmore, on the other hand, stayed unbeaten on 57 off 41 with two fours and three sixes. Cameos from Shoaib Malik and skipper Perera made sure the Kings posted 201 for three on the board.

Gunathilaka, Mendis make hay

The Gladiators had a better start to their run-chase than the Kings as the amassed 81 runs in the powerplay. Danushka Gunathilaka scored 54 runs off 21 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes. He got out with the Gladiators’ score at 63 for one in 4.2 overs. With 139 runs needed off 94 balls at a rate of 8.87, the Gladiators started imploding, losing wickets at pretty regular intervals.

After Kusal Mendis was run out at the striker-end for 39, the Gladiators were left high and dry. A number of their batters got into double digits, but none could convert. Maheesh Theekshana went for 51, but his spin-bowling partner Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two wickets for 30 runs. In the end, the Gladiators played out their full quota of 20 overs only to reach 178 for the loss of nine wickets.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to Jaffna Kings’ win in the LPL final in Hambantota

2/2 in the #LPL for @Lycajaffnakings 🏆

CHAMPIONS of @lplt20 2021

Super Proud of the boys for yet another splendid season. Great bunch of lads. Always a pleasure to work with. Signing off the year with another 🏆 in the bag after #TNPL 🙏 Thank you SL for the warm hospitality. pic.twitter.com/1t5H9qvVjg

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) December 24, 2021

Champions! Thank you to all the team for all their hard work! All my sponsors and support team couldn’t do it without you . Thank you to everyone who has believed in us. Much love #LPL2021 pic.twitter.com/wkKD4MVaEU

— Thisara perera (@PereraThisara) December 24, 2021

Congratulations to the Jaffna Kings on being crowned champions for the 2nd consecutive year in the LPL. It was a thoroughly deserving win to a well balanced team, smartly lead by @PereraThisara .

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) December 24, 2021

Congrats ⁦@realshoaibmalik⁩ on winning your 17th T20 title globally. You’re a true champion mate! (FYI … 3x LPL titles, 3x BPL titles, 1x ⁦@VitalityBlast⁩ , 1x ⁦@CPL⁩, 7x PCB with Sialkot Stallions, 1x PCB title with KPK, 1x ⁦@ICC⁩ World Cup 2009 with 🇵🇰) pic.twitter.com/AWbv2yEpxX

— Richard Sydenham (@BigStarRich) December 23, 2021

We came. We played. We won! 🏆
The Kings 👑 had a brilliant journey this #LPL2021@PereraThisara
Thank you 👏🏽 to our #YaalKollo 🤴🏽👸🏽 and all our fans for all the love 💙💚 and support you have showed us throughout the tournament ⚡#KingsOfTheNorth #Champions #2021Winners pic.twitter.com/oeKX5tnfIv

— Jaffna Kings (@Lycajaffnakings) December 23, 2021

Congratulations @KingsJaffna Great Tourney .. Well done everyone @ipg_productions @OfficialSLC @LPLT20 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/OMf0u62UMO

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) December 23, 2021

Well it was not meant to be tonight @GalleGladiators fans. Well played @KingsJaffna very close encounter. However amazing tournament to be apart of @LPLT20. Sri Lanka have some fantastic players @KusalMendis13 and @danushka_70 are the ones. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

— Samit Patel (@Samitpatel21) December 23, 2021

– Hattrick in Srilanka…

Alhamdolillah ❤ pic.twitter.com/pD5JGFYcjD

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) December 23, 2021

Congratulations to @KingsJaffna very well played!👏 commiserations to @GalleGladiators both teams played some outstanding cricket right throughout the tournament 👏👏

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) December 23, 2021

Cold and dark outside but really enjoying the final of the @LPLT20
So good also to see the ground full in Hambantota..@OfficialSLC https://t.co/atgRZyXKZ8

— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) December 23, 2021

Wonderful few weeks.. Thanks everyone 🙏🏽 ⁦@LPLT20⁩ ⁦@farveezmaharoof⁩ ⁦@RoshanCricket⁩ pic.twitter.com/P4H2zwQ2VZ

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) December 23, 2021

Jaffna Champions & Galle runners-up in first two editions of highly successful Lanka Premier League. Avishka, KusalM & Danushka outstanding. World's No.1 ranked T20I bowler Wanindu is a proper match-winner. Ageless & under rated all-rounder Shoaib Malik wins yet another trophy.🇱🇰

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) December 23, 2021