Lanka Premier League
Galle Gallantswon LPL 2026 (beat Jaffna Kings by 5 wkts, Aug 8). Jaffna Kings have won 4 of 6 LPL editions — Sri Lanka's premier T20 franchise cricket competition.
About the Lanka Premier League
The Lanka Premier League (LPL)is Sri Lanka's premier T20 franchise cricket competition, launched in 2020 under the stewardship of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The LPL is held annually in July — a window that keeps it clear of the IPL, PSL, and major northern-hemisphere leagues — making it one of the few standalone T20 franchises in the global calendar.
Five franchises representing Sri Lanka's major cricket centres compete across four iconic grounds: R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy), Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, and Galle International Stadium — whose UNESCO World Heritage fortress setting makes it one of cricket's most photographed grounds.
Jaffna Kings(formerly Jaffna Stallions) are the LPL's dominant franchise, having won 4 of the 6 editions. B-Love Kandybroke Jaffna's grip in 2023 and Jaffna reasserted themselves with a dominant 9-wicket victory in 2024. In 2026, Galle Gallants claimed their first title. The LPL has been a key showcase for Sri Lankan talent including Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, and Dasun Shanaka.
LPL Franchises
5 FranchisesJaffna Kings
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
The undisputed kings of the LPL — four titles from five editions (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024). Their 2024 triumph — a 9-wicket demolition of Galle Marvels — showed they remain the team to beat.
Kandy Royals
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Rebranded from B-Love Kandy for 2026 under new US-based ownership. 2023 LPL champions — the Kandy franchise broke Jaffna's two-year reign with a commanding 2023 campaign at the scenic Pallekele Stadium.
Dambulla Aura
Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
Rebranded from Dambulla Sixers for 2026 (previously also Dambulla Viiking and Dambulla Giants). Playing at the iconic Rangiri Dambulla Stadium — carved into a rock fortress — Dambulla have been consistent playoff contenders.
Colombo Kaps
R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium
Rebranded from Colombo Strikers for 2026, playing at R. Premadasa Stadium in the heart of Colombo. Previously also known as Colombo Stars and Colombo Kings.
Galle Gallants
Galle International Stadium
2026 LPL champions — Galle Gallants (rebranded from Galle Marvels) beat Jaffna Kings by 5 wickets in the final at Colombo on August 8, 2026. Charith Asalanka named Player of the Match.
LPL Champions — All Editions
| Year | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Galle Gallants | Jaffna Kings |
| 2024 | Jaffna Kings | Galle Marvels |
| 2023 | B-Love Kandy | Jaffna Kings |
| 2022 | Jaffna Kings | Dambulla Giants |
| 2021 | Jaffna Kings | Dambulla Viiking |
| 2020 | Jaffna Stallions | Kandy Tuskers |
About the LPL Format
Tournament Format
Five franchises play a double round-robin league stage (20 matches), generating a points table. The top four teams qualify for playoffs — Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and Final.
Venues & Schedule
Matches span R. Premadasa (Colombo), Pallekele (Kandy), Rangiri Dambulla, and Galle International Stadium. The tournament runs in July over roughly three weeks.
Player Eligibility
Each team can field up to four overseas players per match. The LPL attracts high-profile international T20 specialists alongside Sri Lanka's strong core of domestic talent.
When to Watch
LPL matches typically start at 19:30 or 15:00 local Sri Lanka time (IST +30 min, GMT +5:30). The July window avoids direct competition with every other major T20 league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the Lanka Premier League the most times?
Jaffna Kings (including their 2020 incarnation as Jaffna Stallions) have won 4 of the 6 LPL editions: 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. B-Love Kandy won in 2023, and Galle Gallants are the 2026 champions.
Who won LPL 2026?
Galle Gallants won LPL 2026, beating Jaffna Kings by 5 wickets in the final at Colombo on 8 August 2026. The 2025 edition was postponed due to ICC scheduling. LPL 2026 ran in July–August 2026, continuing the league's traditional summer window.
How many teams compete in the LPL?
Five teams compete in the LPL: Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals (formerly B-Love Kandy), Dambulla Aura (formerly Dambulla Sixers), Colombo Kaps (formerly Colombo Strikers) and Galle Gallants (formerly Galle Marvels). Each team plays home and away matches before a knockout playoff.
Which venues host LPL matches?
LPL matches are played across four iconic Sri Lankan grounds: R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy), Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, and Galle International Stadium.
Can I watch LPL cricket live?
The LPL is broadcast on Siyatha TV in Sri Lanka. International streaming rights vary by region — check GeoCric's /watch page for broadcaster details.
Who are the key players to watch in the LPL?
The LPL regularly attracts Sri Lanka internationals like Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga alongside high-profile overseas stars. Jaffna Kings have traditionally recruited the strongest overseas T20 talent.