Sri Lanka’s primary T20 cricket competition, the Lanka primary League (LPL), is expected to develop significantly in the coming 2025 season. There are rumours circulating that preparations are being made to add a sixth franchise to the league.
Sri Lankan cricket talent has been identified and developed in large part thanks to the LPL. The event, which began during the epidemic, has produced talents like Maheesh Theekshana and Pathum Nissanka, who have both established themselves as essential members of Sri Lanka’s national squad in limited-overs forms.
The fifth edition of the LPL in 2024, which ended recently, demonstrated the tournament’s increasing prominence. With more than 100 ICC board members in attendance, including ICC head Greg Barclay, the final, which took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, was a tribute to its significance. These officials from the cricket world were in Sri Lanka for the ICC Annual General Meeting, and their attendance at the LPL final highlighted the importance of the competition.
Jaffna Kings won the LPL for the fourth time.
The Galle Marvels and Jaffna Kings played off an exciting final to conclude the 2024 season, with the latter winning their fourth championship. Greg Barclay, a well-known figure in the LPL, and Harin Fernando, the minister of sports in Sri Lanka, gave the trophy to the winning captain, Charith Asalanka.
In terms of 2025, the league should see a new level of excitement with the inclusion of a sixth franchise.
It is anticipated that this expansion will draw even more international talent; rumours have it that cricket talents David Miller of South Africa and Kane Williamson of New Zealand may be added to the roster of the new squad.
Their possible involvement would boost the LPL’s appeal to a worldwide audience in addition to raising the level of competition.