New Delhi, Dec 2: Sri Lanka's biggest T20 cricket extravaganza is gearing up for its most ambitious edition yet. The Lanka Premier League (LPL) will expand to six franchises for Season 6, scheduled from July 10 to August 5, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the tournament's rise as one of South Asia's premier franchise cricket competitions.
The expansion comes at a time when cricket fever is set to grip the island nation ahead of a busy international season. Riding this momentum, the LPL is preparing a refreshed, high-voltage edition-packed with more matches, more international stars, and a broader platform for emerging Sri Lankan talent.
Adding to the excitement is the league's global superstar presence, with Chris Gayle, the iconic Universe
Boss, continuing as the official Brand Ambassador. His larger-than-life energy reflects the league's bold vision of scaling up in both entertainment and competitiveness.
A collaborative effort between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and IPG Group, the LPL has consistently drawn top-tier talent and strengthened the domestic cricket framework since its inception in 2020. With international viewership rising each year, the addition of a sixth franchise underscores the league's growing commercial and sporting footprint.
"Our Biggest and Boldest Season Yet" - LPL Tournament Director
Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela expressed excitement for the upcoming edition, stating: "The Lanka Premier League has always captured the spirit of Sri Lankan cricket-passion, skill, and entertainment. As we expand to six teams, the 2026 edition promises to be our biggest and boldest yet. The July-August window gives us the perfect stage to showcase world-class cricket at a time when the country is already alive with T20 fever. "
He added that fans can expect an electrifying few weeks of cricket that celebrate the spirit of the game like never before.
A Larger League, A Richer Experience
The 2026 LPL will feature the franchises from Colombo, Dambulla, Galle, Jaffna, and Kandy, along with a new sixth team whose identity will be revealed soon. Matches will be staged across Sri Lanka's major cricketing hubs, culminating in playoffs that promise high-intensity action.
The expansion means more opportunities for local cricketers, more strategic depth for teams, and a heightened competitive edge-reinforcing the LPL's role as a springboard for Sri Lankan talent to shine on the global stage.
IPG Group: Elevating the League's Global Ambition
Anil Mohan, Founder and CEO of IPG Group, highlighted the collaborative vision behind the league's growth: "We're proud to continue our collaboration with Sri Lanka Cricket in delivering a world-class tournament that keeps raising the bar each season. With six teams now in the mix, we're confident that the 2026 season will set new standards for quality, competition, and fan engagement. "
IPG's expertise in event operations, global broadcast expansion, and league management has played a crucial role in positioning the LPL as a premier cricket property in the region.
Five Seasons of Momentum, One Massive Leap Forward
Since launching in 2020, the LPL has completed five successful editions, quickly emerging as one of South Asia's most exciting T20 leagues. The Jaffna franchise, with four titles, has been the dominant force, though competition across teams remains fierce-promising another thrilling showdown in 2026.
With new teams, new energy, and the Universe Boss adding his signature flair, LPL Season 6 is poised to be the most spectacular chapter yet in Sri Lanka's cricketing story.
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