3rd LPL to be postponed due to current economic crisis?
The third edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) could be put off to December after the event rights holder raised concerns over financial constraints tied to the economic crisis. The five-team tournament is scheduled to be played from August 1 to 21, in Colombo and Hambantota but Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is now considering putting it off.
Sri Lanka is currently engulfed in its biggest economic and political crisis. This has discouraged potential investors from getting involved. Although SLC owns the tournament, it’s managed by IPG, a Dubai based production company.
SLC sources said, Galle Gladiators, one of the five franchises, is also considering a pullout of the tournament if held as scheduled.
“Yes, they have requested for a postponement,” confirmed a SLC source.
“We will make a decision shortly.”
A total of 24 matches will be played during the tournament, with 20 first-round games, and four final round games, including the finals. The first 14 games will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, while the tournament will move into MRICS, Hambantota, starting from August 13.
Jaffna won both editions of the tournament in 2020 and 2021 while the Galle Gladiators have been the losing finalists on both occasions. The LPL will be part of a packed schedule for Sri Lanka’s cricketers leading up to October’s T20 World Cup in Australia. Soon after the LPL, Sri Lanka will host the Asia Cup before heading off to Australia for the global tournament.
However, the hosting of the Asia Cup, too, is under a cloud following the recent incidents in the country. Sources said they will have a discussion with Asian Cricket Council President Jey Shah on Monday to decide the fate of the regional tournament.