The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 has encountered an unexpected delay, with organizers confirming that the highly anticipated player draft will not take place this month due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. While the draft has been pushed back, the tournament itself remains firmly on schedule, set to run from 8 July to 8 August 2026.

Despite the setback, excitement around the sixth edition of the league continues to build. Several prominent international cricketers have already expressed their interest in participating, reinforcing the LPL’s growing stature in the global cricket calendar.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is also exploring the possibility of expanding the list of venues for this year’s competition. The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo has emerged as a strong candidate following the installation of floodlights, which now allow the historic venue to host day-night fixtures. If included, SSC would join the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, and Dambulla International Stadium, easing logistical challenges and giving fans in the capital another opportunity to witness the action.

Although no official confirmation has been made, discussions are ongoing, and SSC is increasingly seen as a likely addition to the venue lineup.

The 147th edition of the historic Battle of the Blues between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ended in a draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, but it was Thomian skipper Jaden Amaraweera who stole the spotlight with a commanding second-innings century.

After winning the toss, S. Thomas’ compiled a solid 302 in their first innings, built around several steady contributions from the top and middle order. Amaraweera struck a patient 52 while Avinash Fernando added 50 and Reshon Solomons top-scored with 66. Dulith Indira Gunaratne chipped in with a valuable 44 to push the Thomians past the 300 mark. Royal’s bowlers fought back well, with Sehadu Sooryaarachchi and Gegan Gamage sharing six wickets between them.

Royal responded with 261 for 9 in 86 overs. Ramiru Perera led the charge with a well-compiled 82, while Rehan Peirissupported with an attractive 63. Dushan Uduwala contributed 33 in a steady middle-order effort. For S. Thomas’, Gimhan Mendis impressed with four wickets, while Abheeth Paranawidana claimed two.

The final day, however, belonged to Amaraweera. The Thomian captain produced a composed 100 off 160 deliveries, striking eight boundaries in a technically sound innings that anchored his side’s second innings. He shared useful partnerships with Fernando (20) and Gunaratne (21) as S. Thomas’ reached 176 for 6 before the match was called off, bringing another chapter of the famous encounter to a stalemate.

Trinity College, Kandy were awarded a dramatic outright victory over St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota in the 107th Hill Country ‘Battle of the Blues’ after controversial scenes brought the traditional encounter to an abrupt end at the Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium.

Chasing a modest target of 64 for victory, Trinity had reached 63 for 1 when crowds suddenly surged onto the field, causing confusion among players, officials and spectators. Both teams were escorted off the ground while order was restored. However, the match took a controversial turn when St. Anthony’s reportedly refused to return to the field to resume play with Trinity needing just one run for victory. As a result, the umpires ruled that St. Anthony’s had forfeited the match and awarded the win to Trinity.

Earlier, Trinity dominated much of the contest. After being sent in to bat, St. Anthony’s were bowled out for 157 despite an unbeaten 64 from Sisal Hemaka. Kanilka Anthony starred with 4 for 54.

Trinity replied with 264, powered by a superb 125 from Sri Lanka youth representative Adham Hilmy and 54 from skipper Dimantha Mahavithana, securing a 107-run lead.
The Anthonians fought back in their second innings, reaching 170 with Kaushika Kumarasinghe scoring 59. Yet Kanilka Anthony’s outstanding 6 for 56 and a match haul of 10 wickets put Trinity on course for victory.

The dramatic finish ensured Trinity recorded their first outright win in the series since 2012, though the result will likely be remembered for the controversial conclusion rather than the cricket itself.