Will Extend All Support To Make LPL Annual Property Like IPL: Sri Lanka Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa

The Lankan Premier League (LPL) 2020 is scheduled to start from November 21. All five franchises– Jaffna Stallions, Dambulla Hawks, Kandy Tuskers, Colombo Kings and Galle Gladiators are going to compete for the LPL-2020 title in upcoming Sri Lanka based league. Total 23 matches will be played in the league and they will be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy and Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, according to an official media release.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Namal Rajapaksa has shared his will of making the tournament, an annual property like IPL. He further said, as the league has already drawn the attention of the local and international players, the government will take every possible step to make the tournament big.

“The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is a tournament that will position Sri Lanka on the global sports map and has already attracted the attention of local and international sports spectators and the media. The government will extend all possible support to make LPL an annual sports property of Sri Lanka much on the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India,” he wrote in his personal blog.

“Following the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the possibility of holding such a tournament in Sri Lanka was much talked about for many years but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. But now, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have been in discussions for weeks to make this tournament a reality as it is essential for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.”

“As the Minister of Sports, I look forward to giving my full support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) through my Ministry to make Lanka Premier League T20 tournament the premier annual tournament in the country,” he added

“The tournament will bring more international attention and recognition to our young athletes and such a highly competitive tournament will not only enhance entertainment but also make a significant contribution to the sports economy as well as the economy of the country. This tournament will be a strong foundation to strengthen the sports tourism industry which has been severely affected by the global epidemic of Corona,” wrote Rajapaksa.

All the five franchises built their squads on Monday through an online draft. Some of the marquee players, who are seasoned T20 cricketers, have received bids from all the franchises for the LPL. Apart from all the current international players from Sri Lanka, 75 foreign players were a part of the Players Draft to be picked by the five franchises.