News
Lanka Premier League 2024 set to be played from July 1 to July 31

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is gearing up for its fifth edition, set to captivate cricket enthusiasts from July 1st to July 31st, 2024. This year’s tournament promises an exhilarating month of cricket, showcasing the talents of five competitive teams across a total of 24 games.
The structure of the competition includes a first round of 20 matches, leading up to a final round comprising 4 matches, which will include qualifiers 1 & 2 and the eliminator. Each team is allowed a roster of 20 to 24 players, with a maximum of 6 overseas players, ensuring a blend of local talent and international flair.
The Lanka Premier League has established itself as Sri Lanka’s premier T20 domestic competition, attracting cricket fans worldwide with its vibrant mix of high-quality cricket and entertainment. Since its inception in 2020, the LPL has grown in stature and popularity, becoming a much-awaited event on the Sri Lankan cricket calendar.
The fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is all set to captivate cricket enthusiasts from July 1st to July 31st, 2024. This year’s tournament guarantees an exciting month of cricket, featuring the skills of five competitive teams in a total of 24 games.
The competition structure consists of a first round comprising 20 matches, leading up to a final round consisting of 4 matches, including qualifiers 1 & 2 and the eliminator. Each team can have a roster of 20 to 24 players, with a maximum of 6 overseas players, ensuring a mix of local talent and international expertise.
The Lanka Premier League has firmly established itself as Sri Lanka’s top T20 domestic competition, attracting cricket fans from around the world with its blend of high-quality cricket and entertainment. Since its inception in 2020, the LPL has gained immense popularity and become a highly anticipated event on the Sri Lankan cricket calendar.
The 2024 edition, with its extended schedule spanning the entire month of July, is set to provide non-stop action and excitement, further elevating the league’s reputation on the global stage. As the tournament unfolds, teams will compete in various venues across Sri Lanka, aiming to overthrow B-Love Kandy, the reigning champions who secured the title in the thrilling 2023 final.
The auction is set to be a hub of strategic acquisitions, as franchises compete to build teams capable of winning the coveted trophy, with capped players priced between $10,000 and $50,000. The LPL has witnessed significant changes in franchise ownership, with last year’s owners differing greatly from those who managed teams in the inaugural season back in 2020.
The first three seasons were dominated by teams named Jaffna, with Stallions winning in the first season and Kings clinching victory in seasons two and three, all under the captaincy of Thisara Perera. However, in 2023, B-Love Kandy emerged as the champions, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, except for the final match where he was unfortunately injured.
Cricket
Inaugural ‘Battle of Green’ Set to Ignite a New School Cricket Rivalry
Cricket enthusiasts in Mirigama and Giriulla are in for an exciting showdown as D.S. Senanayake College, Mirigama, and Wickramshila National School, Giriulla, prepare to launch their first-ever “Battle of Green” big match.
This historic encounter will take place at the Mirigama Public Grounds, marking the beginning of a thrilling annual rivalry between the two schools. Fans from both towns are expected to gather in large numbers, adding to the electric atmosphere of this inaugural clash.
The introduction of the Battle of Green is a significant milestone for school cricket in the region, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering sportsmanship and competitive spirit.
Stay tuned for match updates, player insights, and exclusive coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.
Football
Sri Lankan Football in Crisis: Corruption, Mismanagement, and a Forgotten Future
Sri Lankan football is facing an unprecedented crisis, with corruption, financial mismanagement, and neglect threatening to erase any hope for the sport’s future. Despite repeated warnings, investigations, and calls for reform, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) under its current leadership has continued to operate with impunity, ignoring the development of local players while prioritizing foreign-born recruits.
Audit Findings Ignored – Where is the Accountability?
The Ministry of Sports’ audit report uncovered multiple financial discrepancies within FFSL, yet no action has been taken to rectify them. The Finance Committee raised critical concerns, including:
- Unpaid Media Rights Payment of USD 10,000
- A missing payment for SAFF Sri Lanka match media rights, with public service media confirming they never received the funds.
- The Finance Committee instructed immediate resolution, yet no updates have been provided.
- Unresolved Zolo Football Purchase
- FFSL paid LKR 12,775,000 for Zolo footballs from Ceylon Professional Sports Management (CPSM) without a financial guarantee, violating tender procedures.
- The Finance Committee recommended either securing the footballs or recovering the funds, with escalation to the CID if unresolved. No progress has been reported.
- Unpaid Sponsorship Payment of USD 30,000
- Sponsorship funds from Public Service Media (PSM) for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy remain unaccounted for.
- Despite instructions to resolve the matter, FFSL has failed to provide any updates.
FFSL’s Downward Spiral – A Lost Generation of Footballers
While Sri Lanka’s football governance remains plagued by corruption, the country’s domestic football structure has completely collapsed. There have been no domestic tournaments since 2022, depriving young players of a pathway to professional football. Despite over 42,000 active school-level players across 600 schools, FFSL has failed to support grassroots development, instead using school tournaments for branding while parents bear the costs.
Rather than investing in homegrown talent, the FFSL has prioritized recruiting foreign-based players to represent Sri Lanka’s national team. The current squad is unrecognizable, with only captain Sujan Perera representing local talent. Critics argue that these foreign recruits, most of whom play in third or fourth-tier leagues abroad, are using Sri Lankan representation to boost their own careers while the nation’s domestic football stagnates.
Sri Lanka’s Footballing Reputation in Tatters
The state of Sri Lankan football reached an embarrassing low during the AFC Cup qualifiers when head coach Abdullah Almutairi received a red card—a rare and humiliating moment in international football. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s FIFA ranking has plummeted from 124th to 200th out of 207, driven by alleged embezzlement of FIFA and AFC funds under successive FFSL presidents.
Unlike successful footballing nations, which integrate foreign-origin players into domestic leagues before calling them up to the national team, Sri Lanka’s approach has been reckless and damaging. The lack of Pro License coaches for the past 30 years has further exacerbated the decline, leaving Sri Lanka lagging behind regional peers like India and the Maldives.
FFSL’s Financial Mismanagement & Political Interference
- FFSL has failed to present audited accounts since 2022, with officials suppressing the ministry’s audit report to avoid scrutiny.
- Stolen equipment, including Adidas footballs, bags, and boots, has been traced to top FFSL officials, including former national captains and the finance manager. CCTV footage reportedly supports these claims.
- Despite widespread allegations, successive sports ministers have turned a blind eye, allowing FFSL officials to manipulate narratives and maintain their grip on power.
- The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2023-2024 has been postponed until March 2025—deliberately delaying accountability measures.
Will the Government Finally Take Action?
The newly elected government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. Yet, despite the Ministry of Sports uncovering serious financial mismanagement, no action has been taken to hold FFSL accountable.
The time for promises has long passed. If Sri Lanka is to salvage its footballing future, immediate intervention is needed from the government, FIFA, and relevant stakeholders. Failure to act now will not only doom the sport but also betray the thousands of young Sri Lankan footballers who still dream of wearing the national jersey.
The question remains: Will the government finally clean up the mess in Sri Lankan football, or will corruption continue to suffocate the game?
Football
Sri Lanka Faces Thailand in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Live
Sri Lanka is set to take on Thailand in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier today. With history favoring Thailand in past encounters, the Sri Lankan squad will look to turn the tide and secure a positive result.
Sri Lanka has struggled in previous meetings, losing all five of their last encounters against Thailand, including a 2-0 defeat in their most recent clash in 2022. However, with a revamped squad and fresh motivation, they aim to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.
Thailand, known for its structured play and attacking prowess, will be looking to continue its dominance. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, still in the rebuilding phase, will need a strong defensive display and tactical discipline to stand a chance.
Can Sri Lanka pull off an upset and make a statement on the continental stage? Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.
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